**Swimming Sensation Yu, 13, Fuels China’s Asian Games Gold Rush**
Aichi-Nagoya, Japan – China solidified its dominance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Monday, the second day of full competition, with standout performances in swimming and shooting. The country’s medal haul was bolstered by the remarkable achievements of 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi, who has emerged as a generational talent in the pool.
Yu Zidi made headlines by winning her second gold medal in as many days, this time in the 200m individual medley. Her performance not only secured the top spot on the podium but also set a new Asian Games record. With a time just four-tenths of a second shy of the world record held by Canada’s Summer McIntosh, Yu expressed her excitement, stating, “I feel even happier about this gold medal than the first one.” She emphasized the importance of focusing on the finer details during her training, which contributed to her success.
In addition to Yu's triumph, China's Dong Zhihao shared the gold medal in the men’s 100m breaststroke with Japan's Ohashi Shin. Meanwhile, Qin Haiyang, who previously dominated breaststroke events at the Hangzhou 2022 Games, took home the bronze medal in this event.
China's prowess extended beyond the pool, as its marksmen showcased their skills at the Aichi Prefecture General Shooting Gallery. Olympic champion Sheng Lihao defended his title in the men’s 10m air rifle event, overcoming strong competition from Indian shooters Himanshu Dhillon and Rudrankksh Patil. Additionally, China secured gold medals in both team shooting events, further emphasizing their strength in this discipline.
The day also featured a notable soccer match between bitter rivals North Korea and South Korea at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that reflects the ongoing tensions between the two nations, which remain technically at war since the Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. North Korea's coach Pak Song-jin downplayed the significance of the rivalry, while South Korea's coach Shin Sang-woo noted the absence of a handshake post-match, stating, “In this football game, we just need to achieve results. The political situation does not matter.”
In a historic moment for mixed martial arts, Dastan Kanybek uulu claimed the first-ever Asian Games medal for the sport, earning bronze in the 60 kg category. This debut at the Asian Games reflects a modified format aimed at broadening the sport's appeal and supporting a potential future Olympic bid, marking a significant step toward mainstream recognition.
Additionally, the Asian Games welcomed a refugee team for the first time, consisting of two taekwondo fighters, Mahmoud Jasem Muhammad and Tala Hasan Hunaidi, who are Syrian refugees residing in Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp. Muhammad expressed the intensity of their preparations and their aspirations, stating, “Our goal isn’t just to participate — we’re hoping to achieve something, God willing.”
As the Asian Games continue, the postponement of equestrian events to Tuesday due to concerns over Typhoon Dujuan has not dampened the excitement. Organizers were relieved as the typhoon shifted toward eastern Japan, allowing the remaining events to proceed without disruption.
With the competition still unfolding, China’s impressive medal tally and the emergence of young talents like Yu Zidi promise an exhilarating continuation of the Games.