China looks beyond medals at Asian Games

Event to gauge progress of broader strategy to build nation into sports 'powerhouse'

By LI YINGXUE in Nagoya, Japan | China Daily | Updated: 2026-09-22 07:21

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Xu Jiayu of China raises his arms after winning the men's 100m backstroke final on Sunday. CHEN ZEGUO/XINHUA

Widening base

Athletics, swimming and water sports have a large number of events and strong competition, making them important indicators of the depth of China's sports system.

The new sports development plan calls for stronger talent pipelines and improved training, competition preparation, management and support systems in the three sports.

China has sent 72 athletics competitors, the largest sport delegation within the Chinese contingent.

Women's throwing events are among the key medal targets. Eighteen-year-old Yan Ziyi threw 71.74 meters in the women's javelin this year, setting an Asian record, and is expected to challenge for gold in Nagoya.

In the women's hammer throw, Zhao Jie and Zhang Jiale are two medal contenders, while world-class discus thrower Feng Bin will seek to defend her title.

In the track events, 17-year-old Chen Yujie is making her Asian Games debut. She recently lowered the Asian junior record in the women's 100 meters to 11.08 seconds and will compete in the 100m, 200m and relay events. The emergence of young athletes reflects China's effort to develop strength across a broader range of disciplines.

China's gold medalist Yu Zidi (left) and silver medalist Chang Mohan pose during the award ceremony for the women's 200m butterfly at the games in Tokyo on Sunday. CHEN ZEGUO/XINHUA

In swimming, another foundational sport, a total of 41 gold medals are at stake at the Games, with China sending 44 swimmers. Olympic champions Wang Shun, Zhang Yufei and Pan Zhanle are among the team's leading medal contenders, while young swimmers Yu Zidi and Zhang Zhanshuo are expected to make major breakthroughs.

Yu immediately provided one of the clearest signs of that generational transition on the opening day of the swimming program. Aged just 13, she won the women's 200m butterfly in 2:05.08 seconds, breaking the Asian Games record, while teammate Chang Mohan took silver.

Other aquatic sports also provide fresh avenues for expanding China's medal-winning potential. China is strong in multiple rowing events, while canoe sprint and canoe slalom will also provide medal prospects. Yang Siqi will seek the first Asian Games gold medal in surfing.