From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
China’s 13-Year-Old Swimmer Shines at Asian Games
China’s 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi leads Asian Games with Japan claiming opening gold.
In brief
China’s 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi leads Asian Games with Japan claiming opening gold. China’s 13-year-old Yu Zidi dominated women’s 200m butterfly heats, while Japan’s Takumi Hojo won the first gold in the men’s triathlon at the 20th Asian Games. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Opening Gold Medal
Japan’s Takumi Hojo won the men’s individual triathlon in Gamagori city near Nagoya with China’s Zhang Xirui second and Kazakhstan’s Arlan Zhanabay taking bronze.
Yu Zidi’s 200m Butterfly Heat
13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi was fastest in the women’s 200m butterfly heats, nearly 2.70 seconds quicker than compatriot Chang Mohan.
First Gold Medalist
Takumi Hojo, 30, secured Japan’s first gold medal at the 20th Asian Games, qualifying him for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Event Challenges
The 20th Asian Games faced logistical issues including no athletes’ village, temporary accommodations, and typhoon threats.
2028 Olympics Qualification
The Games offer 2028 Olympics qualification opportunities despite organizational hurdles like transportation failures and substandard housing.
Event Timeline
The 20th Asian Games run from September 20 to October 4, 2026, featuring over 11,000 athletes in 40 sports.
The takeaway
China’s 13-year-old Yu Zidi dominated women’s 200m butterfly heats, while Japan’s Takumi Hojo won the first gold in the men’s triathlon at the 20th Asian Games.
