China extends 52-year unbeaten record as Asian Games organisers apologise

What the report says

China continued its long-running dominance in diving at the Asian Games on Wednesday, extending an unbeaten run in the sport that dates back to its first appearance 52 years ago, according to Al Jazeera’s report from the Tokyo-hosted event. Chinese divers Chen Yiwen and Lian Junjie won the final two diving golds, helping China lift its overall gold medal total to 150 with four days remaining. Hosts Japan were second on 50 golds, followed by South Korea on 24.

The report said China completed a 14th straight sweep of the diving programme, underscoring the country’s strength in one of the Games’ signature events. Chen, a double Paris Olympic champion, said women are as capable as men and pointed to the increasing difficulty of dives being attempted, highlighting the broader competitiveness of the sport.

Beyond diving, the article noted a strong day for several athletes and teams. The Philippines’ Alexandra Eala reached the women’s tennis semifinals, while Taiwan boxer Lin Yu-ting moved into the women’s 60kg final and secured at least silver. In men’s football, South Korea beat China 2-1 to reach the final, where they will face Japan after Japan advanced on penalties against Uzbekistan.

The Games also faced criticism over logistics. Nagoya’s mayor apologised publicly for “inconveniences,” after complaints about transport, accommodation and the absence of an athletes’ village. The apology adds to concerns about event management at a competition involving more than 17,000 athletes and officials.