Chinese Athletes Gear Up for Home Turf at World Athletics Indoor Championships

The World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, is set to feature 35 athletes representing China, competing against over 700 participants from more than 150 countries and regions. The event holds special significance as it provides an opportunity for emerging Chinese talent, including seasoned athletes like Olympic shot put champion Gong Lijiao and sprinter Xie Zhenye, to demonstrate their abilities across 22 events.

Gong Lijiao, a four-time world champion and gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, is expected to be a key figure for China's medal hopes. According to sports commentator Mao Jiale, Gong's experience and mental fortitude make her an indispensable asset to the team, enhancing overall morale. Xie Zhenye, known for holding the Asian record in the 200 meters, is competing in both the 60 meters and the 4x400 meters relay, indicating his intent to hone his sprinting technique through indoor competition.

The championships are particularly crucial for China's younger contingent as well. Sixteen-year-old sprinting sensation Chen Yujie is set to make her mark in the women's 60m, achieving a notable time that ranks her among the top under-20 athletes worldwide. Similarly, 20-year-old pole vaulter Li Chenyang has broken national records, positioning himself as a potential medal contender. Meanwhile, hurdler Liu Junxi, inspired by Liu Xiang, seeks to best his personal record and join an elite group of Chinese athletes.

As Beijing prepares to host the World Championships in 2027, this event serves as a vital stepping stone for the next generation, echoing the developmental benefits seen after the 2015 championships in Beijing. It aligns with China's strategic focus on athletics, as emphasized by Gao Zhidan at the National People's Congress, which aims to cultivate domestic youth talent and lay the groundwork for future successes.

The Nanjing championships will also feature notable international competitors, including world record holders Almand Duplantis and Yaroslava Mahuchikh, along with returning champions like Grant Holloway and Hamish Kerr. This competition is expected to elevate the profile of athletics in China and inspire grassroots engagement, which is crucial for long-term success in the sport.

Challenges remain, however, particularly in the sprinting categories, where China has historically lagged behind its global counterparts. Despite only a few men breaking the 10-second barrier in the 100m dash and the women’s sprinting record remaining unchallenged since 1997, emerging younger athletes such as Chen Yujie and 400m runner Ailixier Wumai’er present a hopeful outlook. With the 2027 Beijing World Championships on the horizon, the anticipation builds for Nanjing to serve as a catalyst for the next generation of athletes in China.