China solidified its martial arts prowess at the 2025 Chengdu World Games on Tuesday, securing three gold medals and one silver in wushu sanda competitions. The event highlighted both China's traditional strength in the sport and growing international participation.
Chen Mengyue set the tone for the host nation, defeating India's Namrata Batra 2-0 in the women's 52kg category. Batra's silver marked India's first wushu medal at the Games, signaling the sport's expanding reach. Later, Li Zhiqin continued China's winning streak with a decisive 60kg victory over Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy.
'Wushu's global influence keeps growing,' said Li, a two-time Chengdu gold medalist, referencing increased competition quality. The sentiment echoed through the arena as Iran's Seyedah Yasaman Bagherzadehvaskas claimed gold against China's Zhu Hailan in a dramatic 70kg women's final reversal.
Men's events saw Tang Sishuo dominate Vietnam's Do Huy Hoang with technical mastery in the 56kg division, while Egypt and South Korea claimed golds in higher weight classes. The mixed results underscored sanda's evolution as a full-contact sport gaining traction beyond its Chinese origins.
With six weight classes featuring athletes from 14 countries and regions, the Chengdu competition demonstrated wushu's unique position as both cultural heritage and modern competitive discipline. The Games continue through August 5, with eyes now turning to other emerging sports in Asia's innovation hub.
