Eight world records shattered at National Games

The 15th National Games of China concluded with a powerful demonstration of athletic prowess, producing eight world records and signaling a strong pipeline of talent for future international competitions, officials said at a press conference in Shenzhen this morning.

A press conference on the conclusion of the 15th National Games of China is held this morning. Lin Weihang

The games, which serve as the primary domestic qualifying and development platform for Chinese Olympians, saw athletes surpass the winning marks from 12 separate events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The record-breaking performances were spread across several sports, including track and field, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, track cycling, and climbing.

In total, competitors also set five world youth records, 13 Asian records, and 14 national records, according to a summary report released by the games’ organizing committee today.

The results highlighted both the depth and breadth of competitive sports development in China. Of the 37 delegations participating, 31 won at least one gold medal, and 35 secured a medal of any color.

Traditional powerhouses from the coastal regions, such as Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Shanghai showcased their comprehensive strength with large teams and deep talent pools. Meanwhile, other provinces like Hubei, Henan, Sichuan, and Hebei delivered strong performances in their specialized disciplines.

Guangdong maintained its position among the top tier in the gold medal count. The Hong Kong delegation marked a significant milestone, winning its first-ever National Games gold medals in swimming, sailing, fencing, and rugby. Macao sent its largest-ever delegation, with many athletes making their National Games debut and showing promise in table tennis, triathlon, and women’s volleyball.

Table tennis player Fan Zhendong celebrates victory after winning champion of men's single competition in Macao on Nov. 20. Xinhua

The games highlighted a successful transition between generations of athletes. Established stars like Fan Zhendong (table tennis), Chen Yuxi (diving), and Hou Zhihui (weightlifting) — all fresh from winning gold at the Paris Olympics — continued their dominance. They were joined by a wave of teenage challengers, including athletes born after 2005 and 2010, who pushed the veterans and signaled a vibrant future for Chinese sports.

Zhang Zhanshuo, who wins five gold medals in swimming, emerges as the most decorated male athlete of the games. Xinhua

Swimmer Zhang Zhanshuo emerged as the most decorated male athlete of the games, winning five gold medals. On the women’s side, gymnast Ke Qinqin, in her National Games debut, also topped the podium five times.

Beyond the elite competition, the games fostered mass participation. The public events segment featured 23 sports and 166 disciplines, drawing 11,000 finalists from all walks of life, including students, workers, farmers, teachers, and medical professionals. The participants ranged in age from 8 to 81 years old, underscoring the event’s role in promoting nationwide fitness.