China made history at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, securing gold medals in both the men's and women's breaking finals on Sunday. The victories highlight the nation's growing influence in urban sports and mark a milestone for Chinese athletes in this Olympic-recognized discipline.
Qi Xiangyu, known as B-Boy Lithe-ing, captivated judges with dynamic headspins and acrobatic maneuvers during his championship showdown against Japan's Isshin Hishikawa. The 20-year-old from Sichuan Province, who previously won bronze at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, executed his signature moves with precision to claim a 2-1 victory. This triumph represents China's first multi-sport event gold in men's breaking.
In the women's division, 16-year-old phenom Guo Pu (B-Girl Royal) dominated compatriot Liu Qingyi (B-Girl 671) with a clean sweep across three rounds. Guo's technical mastery and creative footwork continued her meteoric rise following recent wins at the FISE World Series in France and back-to-back Asian championship titles.
The Chengdu victories come as breaking gains global traction ahead of its Olympic debut. Local organizers highlighted the event's success in Sichuan Province, a region increasingly recognized for nurturing athletic talent and hosting international competitions.
