In a vibrant showcase of talent, the Chinese mainland is set to host 35 dynamic athletes at this year’s World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. With the competition set to kick off on Friday, experts and fans alike are eagerly anticipating a series of thrilling performances on the global stage.
On the sprinting track, 31-year-old veteran Xie Zhenye and rising star Deng Xinrui, aged 21, will contest the men’s 60 meters. Xie’s impressive time of 6.60 seconds and Deng’s even faster 6.57 seconds at the Chinese National Indoor Championships in Jinan have already sparked excitement about their potential impact in Nanjing.
In a historic first, Ailixier Wumaier is poised to become the first athlete from the Chinese mainland to compete in the men’s 400 meters at the World Indoor Championships. The national record holder, who boasts a personal best of 45.79 seconds, is ready to set new benchmarks on this international stage.
Further intensifying the field events, Liu Junxi and Qin Weibo will take on the men’s 60 meters hurdles. Notably, Liu’s personal best of 7.47 seconds has positioned him as one of Asia’s fastest, following the legacy of compatriot Liu Xiang’s record from 2012.
Meanwhile, in the field events, two-time world champion Zhu Yaming is gearing up to challenge his limits in the men’s triple jump with a season-best leap of 17.31 meters. Young long jumper Shu Heng, just 20 years old, adds to the excitement after achieving an 8.12-meter jump in Miramas, France.
The women’s events promise to be equally compelling. Liang Xiaojing will contest the 60 meters, building on a standout domestic performance at 7.19 seconds—a time that eclipses previous national marks. In the 800 meters, Wu Hongjiao, who recently recorded a personal best of 2:05.04 in Jinan, is set to make a strong international appearance.
In the shot put arena, Olympic gold medalist Gong Lijiao, at 36, is determined to surpass her 21-meter goal, while 25-year-old Ma Yue makes her debut at a major international competition. Their participation highlights the blend of seasoned expertise and emerging talent that defines the spirit of the Championships.
This high-energy event not only celebrates national pride and groundbreaking athletic feats but also resonates with a global audience of young, forward-thinking sports enthusiasts and innovators, all united by their passion for dynamic achievement and cultural exchange.
Reference(s):
35 Chinese athletes to compete at World Athletics Indoor Championships
cgtn.com
