The Asian Games have witnessed China‘s consistent and significant progress in sports.
From its tournament debut in 1974 to topping the gold medal table in 1982, and further hosting the Games three times in 1990, 2010 and 2023 respectively, China is set to maintain its pace-setting position at the 20th edition, which opens in Nagoya on Saturday.
China made its Asian Games debut at the 7th Asian Games in Tehran, winning 33 gold, 64 silver and 27 bronze medals to rank third in the medal tally.
China finished first in the gold medal standings for the first time with 61 golds at the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games.
As the host of the 1990 Beijing Asian Games, China delivered a commanding performance with 183 gold medals, marking its emergence as a world sports power.
It was the first time China had hosted a major international multi-sport event.
China hosted the Asian Games for the second time in 2010 in Guangzhou, claiming its 1,000th gold medal in the tournament’s history.
As host for the third time in 2023, China collected 201 gold, 111 silver and 71 bronze medals overall in Hangzhou, overtaking the 200-gold mark in the continental event for the first time.
It was the 11th time in a row for the sports powerhouse leading the gold medal table.
The Chinese delegation took part in the welcome ceremony for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, held on September 17 at Fuji Square near Garden Pier in the Port of Nagoya, Japan.
The Chinese delegation was the first to appear at the event, ECNS reports.
Women’s Chinese national basketball team players Liu Yutong, Tang Ziting, Sun Yu and Jia Saiqi, as well as team representatives and staff, took part in the ceremony.
After the flag was raised, Liu Yutong told journalists that she was taking part in an Asian Games welcome ceremony for the first time.
According to her, the team is determined to give its all, stay focused, be in its best form against every opponent and strive for victory.
The women’s basketball competition at the Asian Games will run from September 17 to 26.
The defending champions, China’s national team, were drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia and Thailand.
The Chinese women will play their first match against Thailand on Saturday.
Huang Baozi, head of the Hong Kong delegation, said it includes more than 800 people, including about 580 athletes who will compete in 38 sports.
At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Hong Kong won a record 53 medals: eight gold, 16 silver and 29 bronze.
Huang named fencing, swimming and martial arts as the team’s strong sports and also expressed hope of repeating the result of eight gold medals.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Hong Kong delegation has prepared festive dishes and activities to celebrate the holiday during the competition.
