Chinese athletes on inside track for medals

Although the nation's hopefuls face a tough task as they look to overcome a spate of retirements, the cooler winter climate in Brazil and an 11-hour time difference, experts predict a good overall performance, Sun Xiaochen reports.

Despite the progress China's athletes have made on the track and in the pool, the country's Olympic delegation remains cautious about the chances of a golden haul at the Rio Olympics, citing the challenges of acclimatization and the high standard of competition.

As a traditional global power in events such as table tennis, diving and weightlifting, China has extended its prowess to swimming and track and field, two mainstream events long dominated by Western athletes, and is poised to deliver a more balanced performance at the 2016 Games.