Unveiling the Triumphs: Highlights from Day Four of the Asian Games in Hangzhou
China’s Young Skateboarding Prodigies Shine in the Spotlight
In a dazzling display of skill and youthful exuberance, China’s teenage skateboarders stole the show on the fourth day of the COVID-19 delayed Asian Games in Hangzhou. The skate park witnessed history as 13-year-old Cui Chenxi became China’s youngest Asian Games gold medallist by clinching the top spot in the women’s street event.
Cui’s remarkable performance, characterized by several jaw-dropping ‘Ollies’ and a daring move off a high rail, secured her the gold, leaving compatriot Zeng Wenhui (18) with silver, and Japan’s 16-year-old Miyu Ito with a well-deserved bronze. “I did quite well today,” Cui modestly remarked after her victory.
Hailing from China’s eastern Shandong province, Cui’s journey into skateboarding is as fascinating as her moves. She picked up the skateboard in 2020 when COVID restrictions hindered her practice in rollerblading, a sport she had embraced at the tender age of three. The women’s street event challenged participants to execute daring tricks on a course mirroring an urban environment, complete with rails and gaps.
Under the bright, warm, and humid conditions of the skate park, dragonflies shared the airspace with the competitors, adding a touch of nature to the adrenaline-filled event. The competition structure involved two ‘runs’ and five individual ‘tricks,’ with each athlete’s highest scoring run and two highest scoring tricks contributing to their final score.
In the men’s final, 13-year-old sensation Ginu Onodera from Japan initially led after the “run” section but faltered in the “tricks,” ultimately dropping to seventh. Seizing the opportunity, China’s Zhang Jie (16) claimed the gold, marking China’s dominance with three golds out of a possible four in skateboarding.
Margielyn Didal and the Timeless Spirit of Skateboarding
In the midst of these young talents, the Philippines’ Margielyn Didal stood out, showcasing the spirit of a true skateboard veteran at the age of 24. Having won gold at the 2018 Asian Games, Didal faced a challenging final, finishing last among the eight skaters due to an injury. Yet, her youthful enthusiasm prevailed as she expressed, “I don’t feel old because I’m also a bit childish, I just want to mess around.”
Nepal’s Cricketing Feat: Smashing Records on the Opening Day
Turning our attention to the cricket field, Nepal made a thunderous entry on the opening day of men’s cricket, crushing Mongolia by a staggering 273 runs. This victory was accompanied by a series of records, including a total score of 314-3, marking the first instance of any international team surpassing 300 in this format.
Japan’s Velodrome Dominance
In the velodrome, Japan emerged as a dominant force, securing all three golds on offer on day four. The women’s keirin and the men’s and women’s team pursuit witnessed Japanese cyclists setting Games records. Naoki Kojima, from the men’s pursuit team, shared, “We were actually already celebrating during the last three or four laps,” highlighting the team’s confidence and prowess.
China’s Unmatched Medal Tally
While Japan showcased prowess in cycling, China continued to assert its dominance across multiple sports. On Wednesday, the host nation secured golds in women’s all-round gymnastics through Zuo Tong and in women’s beach volleyball, sailing, taekwondo, wushu, and shooting.
A noteworthy mention goes to the 60-year-old shooting maestro, Abdullah Alrashidi of Kuwait, who impressed on the shooting range with a world record-equalling performance in the men’s skeet. His disciplined routine and focus earned Kuwait its first gold of the Games, holding off strong challenges from India’s Anant Jeet Singh Naruka (25) and Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiya (52).
Alrashidi, a veteran of seven Olympics with two bronze medals to his name, shared his secret to success: “Today I only missed one target from 110 targets. This happens when you play every day, you exercise, go swimming, and eat well. You keep your body strong.”
In Conclusion
The fourth day of the Asian Games in Hangzhou delivered a spectacle of talent, determination, and records. From the gravity-defying moves of young skateboarders to the cricketing prowess of Nepal and the velodrome dominance of Japan, each event brought its own flavor to the Games. As China’s medal tally continues to soar, athletes from various nations leave an indelible mark, creating a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.