13-Year-Old Chinese Swimmer Yu Zidi Sets Asian Games Record
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
China’s teenage swimming star Yu Zidi claimed gold in the women’s 200m butterfly at the Asian Games, setting a new Games record on the first full day of competition.
Thirteen-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi made headlines at the Asian Games on Sunday by winning the women’s 200m butterfly and setting a new Asian Games record.
Yu, who will turn 14 next month, clocked 2 minutes and 5.08 seconds to take the gold medal. The victory marked the first major individual title of her young career.
Despite her record-breaking performance, Yu said she believed she could still improve her time.
“It was only so-so,” Yu said with a smile after receiving her medal.
Yu Zidi Continues to Make Swimming History
Yu has already attracted international attention despite her young age. Last year, she became the youngest swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships, earning a bronze medal as part of China’s relay team when she was 12.
Her latest achievement adds another milestone to her rapidly developing career, with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics also approaching.
China Dominates the Swimming Pool
China underlined its strength in swimming during the opening day of competition, winning six of the seven swimming titles contested during the evening session.
The Asian Games are being staged across several venues, with swimming among the sports taking place in Tokyo. Most other events are being held in Nagoya and across Aichi Prefecture.
Japan Wins First Gold Medal
Hosts Japan celebrated the first gold medal of the Games when Takumi Hojo won the men’s individual triathlon.
Hojo completed the 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre cycling leg and 5-kilometre run in 52 minutes and 56 seconds.
China’s Zhang Xirui finished second, nine seconds behind the Japanese athlete.
Typhoon Threat Disrupts Events
Weather conditions also created challenges for organisers, particularly in Tokyo, where an approaching typhoon brought heavy rain and strong winds.
The equestrian venue in Tokyo was temporarily closed because of the weather, while the start of competition was pushed back by one day to Tuesday.
Nagoya is outside the storm’s direct path, although rain is also forecast in the area.
The weather concerns come after organisers faced criticism over accommodation arrangements and other logistical issues involving the thousands of athletes and officials attending the Games.
Iran Takes Basketball Bronze
Iran secured the men’s basketball bronze medal after defeating China 79-70.
Iran forward Arsalan Kazemi said the team had overcome significant difficulties during the previous six months and described the victory as particularly meaningful.
South Korea won the gold medal after defeating hosts Japan 67-57 in the final.
Mandhana Makes T20I History
In women’s cricket, India produced a dominant semi-final performance against Bangladesh, winning by 114 runs.
India opener Smriti Mandhana scored 37 from 19 deliveries and became the highest run-scorer in women’s T20 international cricket.
Mandhana moved past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, who had previously held the record with 4,758 runs.
India will meet Sri Lanka in the women’s T20 final on Tuesday, subject to weather conditions.
