Wuxi witnessed a milestone moment for Chinese martial arts as home athlete Xiang Qizhang claimed silver in the men's 80kg division at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships. The 21-year-old's achievement marks China's first-ever silver medal in this competitive weight class.
In a tense final against Brazil's Henrique Marques, both athletes demonstrated technical precision through two closely contested rounds. While Marques ultimately secured gold through accumulated points, Xiang's performance highlighted China's growing prowess in international taekwondo. Bronze medals were awarded to Individual Neutral Athlete Artem Mytarev and South Korea's Seo Geon-woo.
"I didn't fully showcase my training results," Xiang told reporters post-match, acknowledging the psychological challenges of facing a familiar opponent. The rising star emphasized his speed advantage but noted tactical adjustments needed for future competitions.
This year's championships in Jiangsu province have drawn athletes from over 140 countries and regions, underscoring Asia's growing influence in global martial sports. The event continues through Sunday with team competitions expected to draw record attendance.
