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China’s Zhang Dong celebrates after winning the men’s kayak single 1000m final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
China’s Zhang Dong celebrates after winning the men’s kayak single 1000m final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
Chinese paddlers were off to a flying start at the Hangzhou Asian Games, with some dominant performances recorded in the canoe sprint events.
Veteran Zhang Dong set the tone by clinching the gold medal in the fiercely contested men’s kayak single 1000m competition. Wang Nan and Yin Mengdie carried forward this momentum, exhibiting their prowess and securing the gold in the women’s kayak double 500m event.
Not to be outdone, Bu Tingkai and Wang Congkang emerged triumphant by crossing the finish line in first place in the men’s kayak double 500m race.
In a parallel display of excellence, Tokyo Olympic champions Xu Shixiao and Sun Mengya delivered a phenomenal race in the final of the women’s canoe double 500m event, propelling themselves to the pinnacle of the podium.
China’s Wang Nan (L) and Yin Mengdie after winning the women’s kayak double 500m final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
China’s Wang Nan (L) and Yin Mengdie after winning the women’s kayak double 500m final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
Back in 2019, Xu and Sun joined forces, igniting their campaign for international glory. It was in August of that same year when they showcased their prowess in the women’s double kayak 500m event at the World Championships. With sheer dominance, this formidable pair claimed the crown, simultaneously securing their coveted spot at the Tokyo Olympics.
Stepping foot onto the Olympic stage for the first time, Xu and Sun exuded unwavering confidence. Fear was a foreign concept to them as they embraced the challenge. In the gripping final of the women’s double kayak 500m event, they led the pack from the very beginning, effortlessly clinching the gold medal.
“We firmly believe that the sacrifices we made over these years were not in vain. The fruits of our labor are directly proportional to the effort we’ve invested,” said Xu. “Whenever we find ourselves in the heat of competition, I have unwavering faith in Sun’s abilities, and she in mine.”
China’s Xu Shixiao (L) and Sun Mengya after winning the women’s canoe double 500m final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
China’s Xu Shixiao (L) and Sun Mengya after winning the women’s canoe double 500m final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
“No matter what obstacles come our way, we always align our thoughts and work together to conquer them,” she added. “We share a deep bond, a unity of purpose that allows us to overcome any adversity that stands in our path.”
Now, with their triumph in Hangzhou, Xu and Sun have achieved an incredible feat. They have swept the board, claiming titles in all major competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, World Cups and Asian Games.
Later in the day, Chinese equestrian rider Hua Tian claimed the gold medal in the eventing individual event. Not content with this personal triumph, he then rallied his team, propelling China to a resounding victory over Japan and Thailand.
China’s Hua Tian in action during the equestrian eventing individual event in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
China’s Hua Tian in action during the equestrian eventing individual event in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, October 2, 2023. /CFP
This historic achievement marked the first time that China have been bestowed with such a prestigious accolade in the annals of the Asian Games.
Born in London, Hua hails from a blend of Chinese heritage through his father and British lineage through his mother. It was at the tender age of five that he first mounted a horse, igniting within him a passion for the sport of equestrian.
Hua made history in 2008 by becoming the first ever Chinese Eventing Rider in Olympic history. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Hua made his mark by securing an impressive eighth place finish in the eventing individual. This achievement stands as China’s finest performance to date in this particular Olympic event.
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