As China's 15th National Games concluded this week, the event solidified its status as a catalyst for athletic excellence and national pride. Held against the backdrop of evolving sports infrastructure investments across the Chinese mainland, the Games showcased both emerging talent and emotional farewells to legendary athletes.
Table tennis icon Ma Long secured his first National Games team gold, completing a career sweep of major titles. Meanwhile, 13-year-old swimming prodigy Yu Zidi dominated headlines by claiming five medals and shattering an Asian record, signaling a new generation of Chinese athletic prowess.
The women's table tennis final rekindled one of 2025's most compelling rivalries, with Wang Manyu avenging her World Championship loss to Sun Yingsha in a nail-biting rematch. Veteran athletes including shot putter Gong Lijiao and sprinter Su Bingtian received emotional sendoffs, their retirements marking the end of an era in Chinese sports.
With over 10,000 athletes competing across 34 sports, the Games highlighted China's deepening integration of sports development with urban economic planning. Analysts note the event's success reinforces Beijing's strategy to cultivate sports as both a soft power tool and domestic growth driver ahead of major international competitions.
