1st October 2023 – (Hangzhou) As the Hangzhou Asian Games reached its midway point, China continues to assert its supremacy on the medal standings, while new talents from across Asia rise to prominence. The athletes have shown mutual admiration and camaraderie, making this a truly extraordinary journey.
China’s dominance in the games is evident as they maintain their stronghold atop the medal standings, amassing an impressive 111 gold medals as of Saturday evening. Japan follows with 28 gold medals, and South Korea closely behind with 27. China achieved several remarkable milestones, breaking two world records, seven Asian records, and 16 Asian Games records.
One notable feature of China’s performance is the harmonious blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Swimmer Ye Shiwen, nine years after her triumph at the 2012 London Olympics, returned to the Asiad stage and captured victory in the women’s 200m breaststroke. Reflecting on her gold medal, Ye expressed boosted confidence and the belief that there might be another peak ahead for her career.
Rowing veteran Zhang Liang, at the age of 36, secured gold for the fourth consecutive Asian Games. His driving force to excel has always been the aspiration to compete in one more Olympic Games. Zhang stated that he believes his dream is still on the horizon and he must continue to strive.
Inspired by their more experienced counterparts, a new generation of young talents emerged, furthering China’s sporting excellence. Seventeen-year-old shooter Huang Yuting claimed three shooting gold medals, displaying remarkable composure. Eighteen-year-old Yuan Liying and her teammates consecutively shattered Asian Games and Asian records in the women’s team sprint qualifiers and track cycling finals.
Zhang Xin, Secretary General of China’s delegation, expressed confidence that China would surpass their 132 gold medals at Jakarta 2018 by a substantial margin. He affirmed an expectation for the total gold medal count to exceed 180.