The World Athletics Indoor Championships kick off Friday in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, with the Chinese mainland fielding a 35-strong contingent. The event offers a platform for seasoned veterans and emerging talent alike to shine.
Men's Events: Speed and Precision
Sprinter Xie Zhenye, 31, will race in the men’s 60 meters alongside 21-year-old Deng Xinrui, who holds the season’s top domestic time of 6.57 seconds. Meanwhile, Ailixier Wumaier makes history as the first Chinese competitor in the men’s 400 meters, entering with a national record of 45.79 seconds.
Hurdlers Liu Junxi and Qin Weibo aim to build on momentum, with Liu recently clocking 7.47 seconds, the second-fastest Asian time since Liu Xiang’s 2012 record. Triple jumper Zhu Yaming, a two-time world champion, brings a season-best 17.31-meter leap, while long jumper Shu Heng eyes global recognition after reaching 8.12 meters in France.
Women’s Team: Rising Stars and Veteran Power
Liang Xiaojing leads the women’s 60-meter squad with a personal best of 7.19 seconds, surpassing previous Chinese performances at the championships. Wu Hongjiao tests her 800-meter endurance after a career-high 2:05.04 finish. Olympic shot put champion Gong Lijiao, 36, teams up with debutant Ma Yue, blending experience with youthful ambition.
The competition highlights China’s deepening athletic prowess as athletes seek to elevate Asia’s global standing in track and field.
