Shanghai's Luwan Gymnasium erupted in applause as Chinese breakdancers claimed victory at the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Asian Breaking Championship Youth on Saturday. Sixteen-year-old Guo Pu, known as B-Girl Royal, and 15-year-old Li Houhua (B-Boy Jason) secured gold medals in the girls' and boys' divisions respectively, marking a milestone for China's urban dance culture.
Guo's flawless execution of dynamic moves against Japan's Hiyo Yamada in the girls' final earned unanimous judges' approval. 'My musicality made the difference,' the teenage champion told reporters, her routine perfectly synced to beat drops and basslines. Meanwhile, Li's gravity-defying air flares and complex freezes outshined Japan's Shunta Nakamura in a high-energy boys' final.
The event drew 169 young competitors from across Asia, with China's Tong Jierong adding a bronze to the host nation's medal tally. As the lights dim on this youth competition, attention turns to Sunday's Asian Breaking Championship Adult finals at the same venue – a key qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
