China Launches Inaugural National Youth Athletics Games

The inaugural National Youth Athletics Games commenced in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. The competition, designed for under-18 athletes, features a comprehensive program of 25 field events and 31 track events, spanning six days. This national-level event serves as a premier platform for young athletes across the country.

The games have drawn a significant number of participants, with 2,380 individuals, including athletes, coaches, referees, and technical officials, exceeding initial estimates. The opening ceremony was a lively spectacle, showcasing cultural and athletic performances, athlete processions, and oath-taking ceremonies. The Guangdong delegation made a notable entrance, with Chen Jie, a male triple jumper, carrying the flag. Guangdong's team consists of 29 boys and 25 girls.

Several rising stars are expected to make their mark. Chen Yujie, a 16-year-old from Zhejiang Province, holds the Asian youth record in the women's 100-meter sprint and is the national senior champion in the same event. She will compete in both the 100 and 200-meter races. Yan Ziyi, a 17-year-old javelin thrower, recently broke the world under-20 javelin record and secured the first gold medal of the tournament with a throw of 63.52 meters. Dai Hongyu, a silver medalist from the Asian Youth Athletics Championships, will participate in the boys' 100-meter sprint.

Analysts view this new competition as a strategic move to expand grassroots involvement and enhance the competitive landscape for young athletes. The games are expected to boost the popularity and accessibility of athletics nationwide, encouraging sports bureaus to strengthen track and field development. Athletics is considered a core discipline in China, encompassing fundamental human movements.

China has a history of producing Olympic gold medalists and world champions in track and field. However, challenges remain in terms of athlete depth, elite training systems, and sustainable talent development. The annual competition is seen as a crucial step in addressing these gaps and establishing a structured pathway for future champions.

The games are designed to integrate sports and education, provide a high-level competitive platform for youth athletes, encourage provinces to strengthen youth development programs, and reinforce the foundation of athletics for long-term growth. Furthermore, the results of this inaugural competition will be integrated into the overall scoring system of the 15th National Games, scheduled to begin in November.