100-Day Countdown: Ningbo Athletes Aiming for the Hangzhou Asian Games
Wang Shun at a swimming event on May 1. (Xinhua)
As the 19th Asian Games ushered in its 100-day countdown on June 15, Ningbo athletes have entered the “final push” phase, vying for a place to compete for medals at the global sporting showpiece.
Over twenty Ningbo athletes are engaged in the selection process for the event this year, competing in more than ten sports disciplines such as athletics, swimming, shooting, gymnastics, and sport climbing.
China’s current national team selection by competition suggests that two Ningbo swimmers, Wang Shun and Yu Yiting, have stood out in their respective events. Thanks to their impressive performances, the two have secured a place in the Chinese swimming team for The World Aquatics Championships Fukuoka 2023. Following their participation at the World Championships this July, the two potential winners are to strive for gold medals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou this September.
Yu Yiting at the China’s National Spring Swimming Championships. (Xinhua)
Other Ningbo athletes ― including Feng Sixuan (Shooting), Wang Chang (Badminton), Zhang Xinyi (Gymnastics), and Zeng Yingying (Break Dancing) ― have also achieved remarkable results in recent competitions.
Feng Sixuan at the training filed. (Ningbo Sports School/File)
Last month, Feng Sixuan clinched the women’s 25-meter pistol gold at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Baku 2023 in Azerbaijan. This marked her second triumph in the World Cup stage finals of the year, following her maiden championship at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, back in April.
Badminton player Wang Chang finished runner-up with his partner Liang Weikeng in the men’s doubles at the KFF Singapore Open 2023, which concluded on June 11. Their silver medal triumph has propelled them to the second spot in the current world badminton ranking for men's doubles.
Wang Chang (on the right) and Liang Weikeng at KFF Singapore Open 2023. (Xinhua)
Zhang Xinyi, a young gymnast born in 2007, took an impressive tally of 3 golds, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal in April as she went in for this year’s Chinese National Artistic Gymnastics Championships on behalf of the Zhejiang provincial team. On June 15th, Zhang shone in the 10th Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Singapore.
Zhang Xinyi at the National Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2022. (Xinhua)
This January, China announced the roster of its first breaking national team, consisting of 8 athletes (4 males and 4 females). Among the distinguished team members, Zeng Yingying is the star dancer representing Ningbo. The team's primary objective is to showcase China’s dance talent at the 2023 World Breaking Championships in Belgium this September and subsequently at the 19th Asian Games. It is noteworthy that the champions of these two paramount events are guaranteed entry into the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Moreover, esteemed Olympians such as Yang Qian (Shooting), Shi Zhiyong (Weightlifting), Li Ling (Athletics), and Zhang Xingjia (Equestrian) have demonstrated unwavering commitment towards their training program, aiming for honor and titles at the Asian Games. In the same vein, Cao Yunzhu (Trampoline), Fan Xinyi (Trampoline), and Gu Quanquan (Cycling) ― among other Ningbo athletes ― also share a resolute drive towards success in their respective sporting disciplines.
Journalist: Dai Bin
Translated by Pan Wenjie
Proofreaders: Zhang Dongjing, Huang Dawang, Jason Mowbray
