The China Story
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China's 15th National Games will open on Nov 9 across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, marking the first time three regions have co-hosted the country's premier multi-sport event.
GUANGZHOU -- President Xi Jinping declared the 15th National Games open Sunday evening at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, marking the first time the country's premier multi-sport event has been jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
The 75-minute opening ceremony blended official proceedings and cultural performances, highlighting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, one of China's most open and economically dynamic regions.
The organizers hailed the co-hosting a milestone in Games' 66-year history and a testament to the vitality of "one country, two systems" policy in sport.
At 8 pm, the ceremony began on a huge stage designed in concentric circles to symbolize unity and harmony among the three regions.
After the parade which was highlighted by a joint entry of the host delegations of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony was held in the three places.
Themed "Shared Roots, Shared Heart, Shared Dream," the performances combined the heritage and modern spirit of the Greater Bay Area through music, dance and digital technology.
Projections of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, the Ruins of St. Paul's in Macao and Guangzhou's Canton Tower appeared during the show.
The first chapter, "Shared Roots," traced historical ties among the three regions. Dancers performed alongside intelligent robots that beat "Goudiao," a musical instrument similar to chime bells.
The second act highlighted Lingnan culture, from Cantonese opera to Wing Chun. Augmented reality elements accompanied the Guangdong Lion Dance, and VR and AR technology presented a dragon boat race.
The final segment gathered performers from across the Greater Bay Area and included an appearance by Hong Kong pop singer Andy Lau.
The Games' torch relay itself emphasized collaboration and innovation. The flame originated from combustible ice collected 1,522 meters beneath the South China Sea. In a fitting, the cauldron was lit jointly by the final torchbearers: Guangdong sprinter Su Bingtian, Hong Kong Olympic fencing champion Cheung Ka Long, and Macao Asian Games wushu gold medalist Li Yi.
Running through November 21, the Games features 34 sports and 419 events in the competitive program across 19 cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao.
A highlight of the National Games was the men's road cycling race, which used the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as a key part of its route. Supported by technologies such as facial recognition and drones, athletes achieved seamless and unimpeded clearance throughout the race.
The program also includes a marathon across Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
The theme song for China's 15th National Games – Tian Hai Yi Xin (which can be translated as One Heart Under Heaven) – was released on Saturday. This year's games carry special significance as it is the first time that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are hosting the event. Singer Zhou Shen, who features on the track, said at the launch ceremony that he was honored to perform the theme song for an event that would promote the integration of the three regions.
The opening ceremony of China's 15th National Games will be held in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on Sunday evening. Ahead of the ceremony, posters and sculptures of mascots "Xiyangyang" and "Lerongrong" could be seen across a vibrant Guangzhou.
On Nov 8, the men's individual road cycling event of the 15th National Games began, with the 230-kilometer route utilizing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as a key link. Supported by technologies such as facial recognition and drones, athletes achieved seamless and unimpeded clearance? throughout the race?.
China's 15th National Games are almost here! Join us as we explore Guangzhou's fervor for the National Games!
With strict and vigilant anti-doping measures put in place across three hosting regions in coordination, organizers of the 15th National Games boast confidence to host a clean sporting gala event that honors integrity and fair play.
Citing Team China's clean record competing at international events in recent years, the General Administration of Sport of China, the country's central sports governing body, has pledged to implement a stringent and coordinated anti-doping system, adhering to the country's always "zero-tolerance" policy against doping to ensure that the Games will be a clean sporting extravaganza and athletes will be competing in a safe and clean environment.
With the quadrennial multi-sports event being held jointly for the first time in Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, organizers have stepped it up a gear in coordination to overcome challenges for doping control posed by the different legal and logistical systems in each hosting area.
"We've been advancing ahead with deployment of the anti-doping measures for the 15th National Games on an integrated framework together with organizers in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao," Li Jing, a deputy director of the Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games, said during a news conference in Guangzhou on Saturday.
"We will collaborate with all relevant departments to conduct comprehensive work on doping prevention and control," said Li, who is also a vice-minister of GASC.
A total of 188 doping control officers have been appointed to carry out inspections in accordance with international standards, Li said, adding that anti-doping education activities have also been launched.
"With all necessary efforts and measures implemented under strengthened supervision and inspection, we will ensure the successful hosting of a clean and fair edition of the National Games."
Without a unified games village, which used to accommodate all athletes within one compound at previous events, the GASC has deployed doping-control officials and staff to conduct on-site inspections in each hosting region, while fully respecting the differences in policies and conditions between Hong Kong, Macao, and cities in Guangdong.
Efforts were made to ensure coordination and consistency across anti-doping efforts in all three regions, Li said.
To address risks related to contaminated food, improper medical treatment and medications, the GASC has been working closely with relevant departments and organizers in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to guide their anti-doping initiatives.
In terms of food safety, two centralized hubs for food processing and supply have been established in Guangzhou and Shenzhen to cover all competition zones.
Processes, including unified procurement, testing, and distribution of food, have been implemented as well under a coordinated framework to mitigate risks of food-borne contamination.
A food safety monitoring system has been working effectively, covering the entire supply chain — from purchase, storage, and testing to cooking and dining — to ensure that athletes are provided with clean, safe, and healthy food at all designated official hotels.
Additionally, organizers and doping control staff have conducted random inspections at drug stores and hospitals near athlete accommodation facilities to ensure a clean and safe environment for athletes, according to Li.
All athletes have been required to undergo anti-doping education, pass exams on anti-doping policies and knowledge, and sign a commitment letter before they were allowed to register for their respective sports competitions.
ZHUHAI, China -- Liu Zhicheng of Shandong broke out of a dramatic final sprint to win the men's individual road race at China's 15th National Games on Saturday.
One of the Games' most anticipated events, the road race's 231.8-kilometer route crosses the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge six times without interruption, making it the first cross-boundary race in the National Games' history and the only event that connects the three host regions - Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao - in a single competition.
Liu crossed the finish line first in five hours, 17 minutes and five seconds, followed by Beijing's Xue Chaohua and Yunnan's Hu Haijie, with the podium places determined by mere centimeters.
"This is my first time competing in Hong Kong and Macao. The pace in the latter part of the race was much faster than usual, with every athlete taking the competition very seriously," Liu told a press conference. "The final sprint and jostling for position were extremely intense."
"I was really looking forward to this route even before the race," said silver medalist Xue. "Cycling across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was quite a breathtaking experience. I hadn't expected the bridge to be this long. Besides the race, it was nice to enjoy the scenery along such a well-designed course."
Among the 104 riders who had started the race, 98 completed the challenging course, with Hong Kong's Chu Tsun-wai achieving the highest placement among his squad by securing 15th position, while Kam Chin-pok emerged as the highest-placed finisher for Macao in 30th position.
The Games' cycling competition continues on Sunday morning with the women's individual road race, which features 101 athletes, with the opening ceremony scheduled for the evening.
The 15th National Games will open in Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong province on Sunday and be held in different cities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. As a major national sports event, the Games are not only a stage for competition but also a showcase of technological innovation.
Represented by deep-sea flame collection technology and AI-driven facilities, cutting-edge technology is showcased throughout Guangzhou. The use of hexapod robots, self-driving cars, and AI translators reflects care for people with disabilities.
Following China Daily Website foreign expert Elliot Maldonado, let's see how Guangzhou transforms cutting-edge technology into everyday happiness for its residents.
The 15th National Games are set to kick off soon. Chinese singer and dancer Liu Yu sends his best wishes to all competing athletes and for the complete success of the Games.
With the deeper integration of technology and sports, athletic enthusiasts are placing great expectations on the technological innovations that will be featured during the upcoming 15th National Games, hoping these innovations will enhance the quality of competitions, create an engaging viewing experience and offer thorough support for the event.
Scheduled to run from Sunday to Nov 21, the games will be jointly hosted by Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in the Greater Bay Area, a leading tech hub of China, with a strong emphasis on the use of technology.
Spectators will bear witness to emerging technologies. For example, the 3D virtual National Games village will provide audiences with an immersive online interactive experience, and digital volunteers will offer them 24-hour assistance. Additionally, precise indoor positioning technology will help visitors navigate the venues, and AI cameras for specific sports such as badminton will capture key moments in the matches and offer multi-angle viewing options.
Yang Guanrun, a running enthusiast who works in the consulting industry, hailed the arrangements as aligning with international trends, which aim to enhance spectator engagement at major events and create an equally immersive experience for off-site viewers using smart devices such as phones or computers.
Yang called for more domestic sporting events to embrace similar technological measures to help Chinese athletes achieve better results.
A badminton fan surnamed Man said he believes that the AI cameras designed for badminton matches can enhance athletes' skills, while also helping spectators learn techniques and deeply engage in the intense atmosphere of competitive matches.
Man said that even everyday sports have significant potential for technological applications. He hopes to see more innovative technologies used in popular activities, which could be preserved after events for widespread use by enthusiasts so the public can enjoy sports even more.
A sports lover surnamed Liu, who works at a National Games venue in Shenzhen, Guangdong, pays particular attention to the application of assistive technology.
He mentioned that to host the National Games, the venue underwent upgrades to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Since only a few new venues were built for the event, the role of technology is even more crucial in better serving athletes and spectators with disabilities.
Liu is pleased to see that innovations such as exoskeleton robots, stair-climbing wheelchairs and apps with sign language translation features will be used in the games to assist the disabled. He hopes that new technologies will continue to address the needs of disadvantaged groups.
Swimming enthusiast Ni Meilan emphasizes the accessibility, convenience and safety of technologies leveraged at the games. She hopes that the barriers for viewers who want to experience the technologies will be lowered, allowing groups such as the elderly, who may be less familiar with tech, to also benefit.
She said she also hopes that the use of emerging technologies such as driverless shuttles transporting athletes and spectators will not only reduce the need for manual labor, but also be well-organized to alleviate congestion and minimize passenger wait times. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of ensuring safety with the implementation of technologies such as autonomous vehicles, drones and robots, aiming to minimize their impact on people's daily lives.
bingcun@chinadailyhk.com
The 15th National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions for the first time, are playing a part in accelerating the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, organizers of the sports event said.
To ensure the success of the games, which will begin on Sunday and run through Nov 21, relevant authorities will further simplify entry and exit procedures to facilitate the movement of personnel among the three regions.
Under the guidance of the General Administration of Sport, the China Disabled Persons' Federation and the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the regions have reached consensus in six key areas through extensive communication and negotiations — cross-border events, port clearance, personnel and vehicle documents, food safety, green event management and the event schedule, explained Huang Mingzhong, director of the office of the 15th National Games Executive Committee.
"The three regions have explored a joint competition model of 'three regions with three similarities', indicating 'same frequency communication, concerted decision-making and synchronous execution'," said Huang, who is also deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong provincial government.
"Taking the emblem design as an example, our emblem consists of three petals. With Guangdong's kapok, Hong Kong's bauhinia and Macao's lotus overlapping and rotating, it forms a concentric floral pattern, symbolizing the unity and deep integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," he said.
Huang noted that one of the games' events, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao road cycling race, will take place in all three regions.
"Cyclists will depart from Zhuhai and first reach Macao via the Macao Bridge, and then arrive at Hong Kong's Lantau Island via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge," he said.
Sun Jiaojiao, a senior border inspection officer at the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint in Guangdong, said that for the games' cross-border marathon, the border inspection department has established pre-inspection areas at both ends of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge to enable seamless completion of exit-entry procedures for athletes and personnel who need to cross.
The marathon, with both start and finish lines at Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, will take place on Nov 15. It requires athletes to run across the Shenzhen Bay Bridge to enter Hong Kong, and after turning around, return to the center.
Zhang Zhihua, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, said relevant departments have set up a dedicated channel at entry and exit ports, allowing games' delegates to enter and leave whenever they need.
"We have also opened a green channel for our ticket holders, with nationwide application for entry and exit documents," he said.
"With special treatment for entry and exit, we will contribute to the development of a one-hour life circle within the GBA," said Zhang, who is also the deputy director of the coordinating department of the 15th National Games Executive Committee.
During the games, visitors can enter and exit the regions without needing to show documents, he said.
Guangzhou will host the opening ceremony, while Shenzhen will host the closing ceremony.
The mascots for the upcoming 15th National Games, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, are winning hearts online. The team that designed them was led by Liu Pingyun, who sees them as embodying the distinct cultural identities of cohosts Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, while also symbolizing the region's shared roots and growing integration.
The mascots were inspired by the Chinese white dolphin, a resident of the Pearl River Estuary known as the "giant panda of the sea" and classified as a grade 1 national key protected species.
Xiyangyang's white color reflects the dolphins' natural hue, while Lerongrong's pink skin represents the flush the dolphins exhibit when active, symbolizing the games' spirit of striving for progress.
In the run-up to the games, which are set to open on Sunday, the mascots' cute appearance and resemblance to chickens — popular in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao cuisine — have ignited increasingly widespread online discussion.
Internet users have affectionately given them nicknames such as "great bay chicken", "boiled sliced chicken" and "soy sauce chicken". And the mascots have featured in various fan creations, including videos, memes and cultural products, with an enormous estimated commercial value.
Liu noted that while selecting the mascot prototype, his team explored elements linked to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, such as animals, plants and Chinese characters. After experimenting with designs based on the South China tiger, lions from the traditional lion dance and the symbolic Five Rams Statue of Guangdong's capital, Guangzhou, they chose an animal that had never been featured as a National Games mascot.
The dolphins not only exude the cuteness young people love, but also signify China's commitment to ecological civilization.
"Most importantly, this choice fully represents the integration of the three regions," Liu highlighted.
Currently, there are approximately 6,000 Chinese white dolphins worldwide, with 2,000 inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, which makes it the largest habitat for these dolphins worldwide.
The heads of Xiyangyang and Lerongrong are decorated with three splashes of water in different colors. Liu said that the red represents Guangdong, symbolizing the kapok bloom, the city flower of Guangzhou. The purple stands for Hong Kong, embodied by the bauhinia, while the green signifies Macao, represented by the lotus. These colors are also featured in the emblem designs of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, showcasing a deep understanding of the unique yet harmoniously integrated cultures of the three regions.
This interpretation also mirrors Liu's personal understanding of these regional cultures.
Originally from Jiangxi province, Liu relocated to Guangzhou in 2000 to study for his master's degree, and then to Macao in 2018 to pursue a doctorate. Subsequently working at the school of visual arts design at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, where he now serves as the dean, he has spearheaded numerous design projects, including the creation of the widely acclaimed Beijing Winter Olympics mascot Bing Dwen Dwen.
Having lived in the region for over two decades, Liu identifies himself as a "typical" Guangzhou resident, actively "experiencing and absorbing" the local culture in his daily life.
In his view, the cultural histories of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao each possess unique characteristics. Hong Kong and Macao showcase a vibrant fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Macao, for example, boasts Portuguese-style stone pavements and an array of unique cuisines.
Despite these distinctions, the three regions share common foundations such as language, the appreciation of Chinese culture and a unique maritime heritage from their locations along the Maritime Silk Road. While preserving their distinctiveness, the regions demonstrate a marvelous integration, embodying the cultural essence of the GBA, Liu said.
He also noted that the regions have shown mutual respect and support throughout the design process, maintaining smooth communication. The design team reports to authorities in each region and has received active feedback.
Liu and his team were caught off guard by the mascots becoming internet sensations. Their popularity was unexpected, but the team is pleasantly surprised, he said.
"Such interpretations by netizens mean that the intellectual property resonates with the public and blends into their daily life," Liu said.
Lesley Liu contributed to this story.
amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
The opening ceremony of the 15th National Games will showcase the time-honored history, profound cultural heritage, openness, inclusiveness and economic vitality of the Lingnan — or southern Chinese — region, directors and producers of the sports event said.
During the artistic performance segment of the ceremony, which will integrate traditional Lingnan culture with cutting-edge technology, lion dances will be blended with virtual reality technology and content generated by artificial intelligence; Yingge dances, drums and gongs will be paired with holographic projections; and racing dragon boats will be "rowed" into the audience through augmented reality technology.
"With joint efforts and unity of all creators and performers, we will try to present a wonderful performance," said Lang Kun, chief director of the opening ceremony.
Wang Ruixiang, chief producer of the event, said every work team is busy refining the details, striving to present a splendid audiovisual feast for audiences across the country on the night of the opening ceremony.
As of Thursday, six general rehearsals had been organized to ensure the opening ceremony's success.
The comprehensive rehearsals have fully evaluated all elements, including the pre-ceremony performances, ritual segments, and cultural and sports presentations.
All rehearsals have proceeded in an orderly and seamlessly-coordinated manner, vividly embodying the principle of hosting a "streamlined, safe and splendid" event while showcasing the unique charm of the games, which are being jointly hosted by Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions for the first time.
The opening ceremony will officially kick off at 8 pm on Sunday in the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center in Guangzhou, the provincial capital.
"We aim not just for stellar performances, but also to make every participant feel the warmth of sports and the affinity of culture," said Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, executive producer of the ceremony.
The opening ceremony has ingeniously integrated iconic landmarks, including Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, the Ruins of St. Paul's in Macao and Guangzhou's Canton Tower, showcasing the vibrant vitality and connectivity of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Meanwhile, aligning with Guangzhou's identity as the "City of Flowers", the creative team has woven the celebration around three core themes: the beauty of technology, the beauty of humanity and the beauty of sport, presenting an opening ceremony that will be a visual spectacle and take viewers on an emotional journey.
University students are planning to put on Lingnan's Early Spring production, which promises to be a stunningly beautiful performance featuring singing, dancing and acting.
Huang Peiling, deputy chief director of the ceremony, said the performers have worked hard to give audiences the impression of "being as one".
Gao Yan, executive director, said the performance is taking a youth-oriented approach, incorporating performances such as ballet, street dance and symphony to resonate with young audiences.
In addition to the well-known traditional elements, including Yueju Opera, Wing Chun and Qilin dance, the opening ceremony stage also served as a vibrant showcase for reinvented cultural symbols drawn from the grassroots. The exquisite patterns of Guangdong embroidery, the radiant shimmer of Canton enamel, and the three-dimensional collage of Chaozhou porcelain cut-out artwork — all of these, through innovative design, are brilliantly reimagined and make a stunning debut.
Qiao Wei, the ceremony's chief contributor, said that the opening ceremony will integrate scattered Lingnan cultural symbols into a "dream-fulfillment" story, showcasing the shared pursuit of a better life among residents of the GBA.
The 15th National Games will take place between Nov 9 and 21.
zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn
In 1984, few would've expected a county sports meeting held in Zhengding, Hebei province, to have played a tone-setter role, as significant as it seems now, for China's sports development on all fronts in the next four decades and beyond.
Many had even questioned whether it was necessary to host such an event in a rural county like Zhengding at the time, when the whole nation went all out pushing ahead with economic, agricultural and industrial modernization, leaving sports promotion among the least prioritized government agenda items.
As its initiator, President Xi Jinping, who then served as secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhengding county committee, carried it out anyway, hosting 10 sports disciplines on a middle school playground to gather over 1,300 participants of all ages, according to a Xinhua documentary.
The county was left abuzz and its residents were excited, while Xi got his ideas across.
People's fitness and mental health, benefited by taking part in sports exercise, would contribute to the overall well-being and solidarity of the nation, Xi's former colleagues said as they recalled his farsighted vision embodied by putting together the county games against the odds.
"Many would not understand such a decision back then," Cheng Baohuai, then county head of Zhengding, said in the documentary released in August.
"But President Xi believed it's necessary to enrich people's spiritual wellness by getting them involved in sports, which is as important as improving their livelihood."
Fast forward 41 years, Xi's ardent interests in a variety of sports and instructions on the development of competitive sports, mass fitness, the sports industry and physical education have paved the way for China to march on toward building a world sporting powerhouse by 2035, a national target set by the State Council, China's Cabinet.
The 15th National Games, which are being held jointly for the first time in Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, are expected to shed new light on major sporting events' growing impact on facilitating cultural exchanges, economic growth and integrated development across regions.
It will once again serve up the larger-than-the-games boost that Xi has long envisaged as he has overseen and guided, with hands-on involvement, the hosting of a series of world-class events, such as the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and the latest Asian Winter Games in Harbin in February.
"The ultimate goal of building a sporting powerhouse and a healthy China is to strengthen people's fitness," Xi said in January 2022, while inspecting preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympics. "This is also an essential part of China's effort to build a modern socialist country in all respects."
As a testament of the governmental push to facilitate grassroots sports participation, the National Games, which were launched in 1959 as a quadrennial event only for elite athletes, opened its Olympics-like program for amateur enthusiasts to sign up and compete alongside the professionals at the 2017 edition in Tianjin.
Even before its opening ceremony on Sunday, the 2025 edition has already involved over 1 million ordinary sports lovers in qualifying tournaments across 166 events on its open-access amateur program, which will host some of its final sessions simultaneously with elite competitions in the next fortnight.
The excitement is also taking over China's northern provinces with bustling scenes last week at five major ski resorts in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, indicating a busy winter season.
Resort owners are racing against time in Zhangjiakou, a co-host of Beijing 2022, to prepare for the hot business season, riding on the momentum triggered by the Winter Games, which has seen over 300 million Chinese people engaged in winter sports and related leisure activities.
The mass promotion of winter sports in China, as the biggest legacy of Beijing 2022, has paid dividends for the country's sports industry.
According to a report released last month by the sports economy department of the General Administration of Sport of China, the total market value of the nation's winter sports industry reached 970 billion yuan ($136 billion) in 2024.
It is expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by the end of this year, staying well on course to hit the target of 1.5 trillion yuan, set by the State Council by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.
"Winter sports development has entered a new phase in our country," said Yang Xuedong, director of the sports economy department, while presenting the report.
"Ice and snow sports and related leisure activities have become the most trending — and the fastest-growing — events among all outdoor sports."
Data from another report unveiled on Oct 16 at the World Winter Sports Expo 2025 in Beijing showed that during the 2024-25 winter, China recorded 187.5 billion yuan in revenue from public consumption of winter sports and related leisure activities, marking a year-on-year growth of 25 percent.
Xi had reiterated that the ice and snow sports industry could be developed into "a mountain of gold and silver" in the build-up to Beijing 2022.
That vision has now been materialized on a grand scale, redefining winter sports promotion not just in China but also globally.
sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
On Tuesday evening, in front of a roaring crowd at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center swimming and diving hall, Wang Zongyuan stood poised at the edge of the springboard. He launched into a series of flawless flips, cutting cleanly into the water after his sixth dive.
By the end of the event, the Olympic champion had secured gold in the men's 1m springboard at China's 15th National Games in Guangzhou — a victory that added another title to his career's honor roll.
The night before, Wang had helped his home region of Hubei take a silver medal in the men's team event.
A dual Olympic gold medalist in synchronized diving and a newly minted four-time world champion, Wang is already a linchpin of China's men's 3m springboard program.
His victory on Tuesday offered little surprise.
His presence also provides a steadying influence for younger teammates. Zheng Jiuyuan, who took bronze in the 1m springboard, said: "I just follow Wang Zongyuan's lead," referring to their newly formed partnership in synchronized diving. When asked about their strengths, Zheng noted confidently: "Our technical consistency is probably our strong advantage."
Despite others' admiration for him, self-doubt still lingers for the 24-year-old Wang, who explains that diving is a sport rife with uncertainties.
His career has been filled with both triumphs and near-misses, particularly in the individual 3m springboard event. Despite his Olympic victories in synchronized diving at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, and recent wins at the Singapore World Championships, the individual gold has eluded him.
"Stepping onto the platform doesn't mean you will secure the gold. Overthinking can be harmful. You have to take it step by step," he said.
Preparing for the National Games, Wang dedicated himself to meticulous mental and physical preparation, including handling the grueling transitions between late-night team events and early morning individual competitions.
"It's not just about raw talent," he said. "It's about the effort you put in when nobody is watching."
Winning his first individual gold medal in the 1m springboard at the National Games was a personal triumph, which means a lot to the experienced diver.
"I didn't expect to win such a valuable gold medal here. It gives me a boost and reaffirms the confidence I need moving forward," Wang reflected. "I'll approach the upcoming 3m individual event with the same mindset — calm and confident, diving with everything I've got."
Though the 1m springboard is a non-Olympic discipline, it remains the foundation for every springboard diver, including Wang.
"There have been disappointments and setbacks, but I always remind myself to return to the basics. It keeps me grounded," he explained. "The 1m springboard is where I started, and it's where I continue to find motivation."
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Wang partnered with the seasoned veteran Xie Siyi to win gold in synchronized 3m springboard, and says he is now ready to take on a similar role in the team.
As Xie faces the physical challenges of aging, including injuries, Wang is determined to pursue the double gold in both synchronized and individual events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
From a young boy swimming with floaties in the Yangtze River and a teenager who briefly questioned whether to leave the sport behind, to now being a key member of China's diving "Dream Team", Wang's rise has been marked by solid effort and unwavering dedication.
"The four years after Paris 2024 is like a game of chess — every move matters," Wang said. "The next Olympics will be even tougher, but my goal remains unchanged: double gold. I'll keep pushing forward, step by step, towards that target."
XINHUA
Taller and heavier, but still as precise as she has ever been, China's diving sensation Quan Hongchan refuses to be written off at the elite level just yet as she overcomes severe physical challenges to shine at the 15th National Games.
The nation's quadrennial sporting extravaganza, which has kicked off some of its 419 medal events before Sunday's official opening ceremony, is being held across boundaries for the first time — in Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.
After being sidelined from competitions for about half a year due to injuries, Quan, a three-time Olympic gold winner, has returned to the spotlight amid doubts about her current level of preparedness and her future in international competitions, particularly her chances of making it to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
She is no longer the petite 14-year-old who, at the 2020 Tokyo Games, became one of the youngest Chinese divers to win an Olympic gold, or the more mature teenager who clinched gold twice at the 2024 Paris Games. Her larger body frame and six-month hiatus notwithstanding, Quan, now 18, has maintained the striking quality of her dives.
The teen master of the "splash-disappearing technique", which refers to her delicate body control to keep water splashes at the minimum during a dive, delivered once again on Sunday.
In the women's synchronized 10-meter platform diving team event, Quan made a strong return, partnering with newcomer Wang Weiying. The duo displayed remarkable synchronicity and composure, earning a top combined score over three rounds and securing the first gold medal in diving for Team Guangdong, successfully defending its National Games title.
Quan's home crowd at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center Swimming and Diving Hall welcomed her with the loudest cheers, while her legion of social media fans — around 3.75 million on Sina Weibo — celebrated her comeback online.
The hashtag "Quan Hongchan returns to win" garnered nearly 62 million views on Weibo as of Thursday, and she was among the top trending topics related to the National Games on social media.
"I am awesome," Quan herself posted an encouragement on Weibo following Guangdong's team victory.
Quan's impressive form despite her injuries signals that she is far from retirement.
Referring to the prospect of diving against her star teammate in the individual event at the 2028 Olympics, Quan's partner Wang said, "I hope I can be her rival. Apparently, she's not recovered to her best form yet, but I hope she will continue working hard on her way back to the peak."
In 2021, Quan became a household name after winning the 10m platform gold at the Tokyo Olympics, which was deferred because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She redefined the benchmark of elite diving by effortlessly pulling off some of the world's most difficult dives.
The pull of gravity felt stronger as Quan grew at least 15 centimeters taller and 10 kilograms heavier by the time of the Paris Olympics. However, she beat the challenges with countless extra hours on her fitness program, which eventually paid rich dividends. Quan edged out national teammate Chen Yuxi to retain her individual title in Paris, and added a third career Olympic gold in the synchro event with Chen.
Quan will miss another duel against Chen, who is representing Shanghai, in Monday's individual final, because she hasn't signed up for the event to keep the intensity of her return in check.
He Weiyi, head coach of the Guangdong diving team, said that Quan has overcome tougher-than-expected challenges to make it to the National Games. "She is competing while still nursing injuries to her (right) tibia and ankle joints, and her body has kinesiology tapes all over to protect her muscles from overstretching," he said. "It's extremely tough for her, as she endures severe pain every day. She has to apply ice packs to her leg between each round during both practice and competitions."
The National Games was Quan's first competition since she last dived competitively at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final in May in Beijing.
Chen, 20, a close friend of Quan, has emerged as a favorite for the individual title at the 2028 Olympics, after she claimed a record-extending fourth world championship title in 10m platform in July in Singapore.
Whether it is Quan making a comeback and reigning supreme again or a mature Chen finishing on top, the intriguing rivalry between the duo is expected to keep the diving world stoked in the run-up to the next Olympics.
Contact the writers at zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn
The 15th National Games will officially open in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, on Sunday. Besides the 419 gold medals in 34 competition events for professional athletes, 166 gold medals will be on offer for the participants in 23 amateur competitions and exhibition events.
Alongside traditional Olympic sports such as table tennis, badminton, tennis and soccer, the competition category includes traditional Chinese games such as shuttlecock kicking, dragon boat racing, Go, Chinese chess, Chinese wrestling and gateball. The exhibition sports cover fitness qigong, tai chi, dragon and lion dances, and physical exercise to radio music. They drew over 1 million people in the preliminary rounds that were held before the official opening of the games; with some 11,000 participants entering the finals.
The 13th National Games in Tianjin in 2017 first opened the door to amateurs when more than 7,600 amateur athletes competed in 126 events of 19 popular sports events such as tai chi, Chinese chess, roller sports, marathons and rock climbing. Four years later in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, the 14th National Games added square dancing and physical exercise to radio music.
These events are tailored to the host cities' characteristics. Thus Tianjin featured model aircraft and ship events, reflecting its coastal identity, while Shaanxi included martial arts and wrestling, showcasing the "Northwest spirit" of resilience and strength.
The 15th National Games, which will be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, have included sports such as orienteering, to be held in Maoming city, which boasts mountains, sea, rural and urban landscapes; and dragon and lion dances, popular in South China.
Traditional activities such as dragon boat racing and dragon and lion dances help preserve cultural heritage, while emerging sports such as orienteering and breakdancing capture the imagination of younger generations.
The games have created a platform for social interaction and community building. Whether it is the camaraderie among "old buddies" in gateball — a team sport similar to croquet; the new friendships forged in orienteering — an outdoor sport where participants navigate through unfamiliar terrain; or the vibrant energy of young people in breakdancing — a dynamic style of street dance that originated from hip-hop culture, sports bring people of different age groups together.
Through these events, the true value of the sports extends far beyond the competitions themselves. As more individuals are inspired by sports to step out of their homes, the movement toward nationwide fitness gains momentum.
"Develop physical culture and sport, and strengthen the physique of the people" was the call when the inaugural National Games was held in Beijing in 1959, as the nation was in the process of rebuilding itself. More than six decades later, China has transformed the concept of national fitness into a reality and turned slogans into action, which has become a powerful catalyst for public health initiatives. Sports have moved beyond being the exclusive domain of elite athletes to become a driving force for "national happiness" on China's path to rejuvenation.
By offering a diverse range of events and fostering social connections, the National Games have made sports accessible and appealing to all. The influence is not limited to the variety of the events; they are an ongoing legacy that continues to inspire individuals to lead active, healthy lives. As more people participate in sporting activities, the vision of nationwide fitness becomes a reality, ushering in a new era where the benefits of physical activity are enjoyed by all.
At the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025, Hong Kong fencing champion Vivian Kong Man-wai shared her hopes for the upcoming National Games. She said she hopes that everyone enjoys the games, feels healthier and happier through their love of sports, and has fun while showcasing the beauty of our city to the world!
