Asian Games, day 1: China, Japan split early triathlon golds; Lau wins silver in karate
The first day of the Asian Games in Japan saw China quickly dominate the medal table with 11 golds, including six in swimming, featuring a breakout performance by 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi. Host nation Japan secured the first gold in men's triathlon, while Hong Kong achieved an unexpected silver in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.
Why it matters
This article provides an early snapshot of the competitive landscape at a major international multi-sport event, highlighting emerging talents and national performances, particularly China's strong start and Japan's home advantage, setting the tone for the rest of the games.
There was something almost inevitable about the way the first day of competition at the Asian Games in Japan unfolded on Sunday, and the only real surprise would have been finding someone surprised by it all.
That is until Hong Kong’s women came second in the 4x100m freestyle relay in the final event at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Just the second silver the team has ever managed in the discipline, it was as unexpected as the city-record time that accompanied it.
Much earlier in the day’s proceedings, organisers got the quick start they needed to briefly silence the dissenting voices: China raced to the top of the medal table, and will no doubt stay there, and swimmer Yu Zidi was equally quick in dispelling any notion that she will not be a global star.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in