Asian Para Games Day 2: China claims 36 golds with tons of new records

Zhang Xiaotong of China competes during the Women's 400m Freestyle S11 Final at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

HANGZHOU, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- China claimed 36 out of 80 gold medals on the second competition day of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games on Tuesday and broke a slew of Games, Asian and even world records.

Wen Xiaoyan broke the world record in the women's long jump-T37 with 5.45 meters, and Sun Pengxiang refreshed the men's javelin throw-F41 world record with 48.46 meters.

"I didn't expect to break my own record," said Wen. "The spectators here kept cheering me on, giving me more strength."

China's athletes also set a number of records in the swimming pool. In the men's 200-meter freestyle-S5 competition, Guo Jincheng won the gold in 2 minutes and 40.83 seconds. Zhang Xiaotong claimed the women's 400-meter freestyle-S11 title in 5 minutes and 4.48 seconds. Both of them broke the Asian record and the Games record at the same time.

"I feel quite happy (about breaking the record), and the goal of my training is to achieve such a result. I hope to swim well in the 400-meter race, which is my major event," Zhang said.

In the powerlifting competition, Cui Zhe, Qi Yongkai and Wei Yilian won three gold medals. In the men's 65kg division, Zou Yi easily lifted 206kg and 212kg in his first two lifts. In the third lift, he broke the Asian and the Games record of 218kg. In the fourth lift, Zou heaved 222kg to win the gold and refresh the world record.

"Challenging the world record has always been my dream. I'll do more in the future," Zou said.

In addition, the host nation continued its gold rush in Chun'an Jieshou Sports Center Velodrome, winning 5 out of 6 golds on offer. China also defeated the Hong Kong team to win the women's foil team gold.

So far, China led the tally with 67 gold, 53 silver, and 45 bronze medals, followed by Iran with 16 golds.

Gold medalist Cui Zhe of China attends the awarding ceremony for the Women's 45kg of Powerlifting at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Bei He)