China Triumphs with Gold in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team Event at 19th Asian Games
(Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Hangzhou, China – September 26, 2023 – In front of an electrifying home crowd at the Huanglong Sports Centre Gymnasium, the People’s Republic of China showcased their gymnastic prowess by securing the coveted gold medal in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team event at the 19th Asian Games held on Monday, September 25, 2023.
With unwavering determination and astounding performances, the Chinese team achieved a commanding total score of 161.896, leaving spectators in awe and securing their place atop the podium. Their remarkable display placed them 4.667 points ahead of their closest competitors, second-placed Japan, who earned a commendable score of 157.229. Notably, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea made a triumphant return to international competition after the COVID-19 pandemic hiatus, clinching the third spot on the podium with a score of 156.829, just 0.4 marks behind Japan.
Japan’s Mana Okamura, third at 2023 Asian Games- (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)
The team medals were clinched through the combined efforts of each nation’s gymnasts, with the three best scores on each apparatus in the qualifying competition ultimately determining the winners. These results also determined the individual all-around and apparatus finalists, with the top 18 gymnasts competing in the all-around final and the top eight on each apparatus.
Leading the charge for the host nation was Tokyo 2020 Olympian Zhang Jin, who delivered a stellar performance, securing the top spot with an impressive score of 54.266. Zhang Jin was closely followed by compatriot Zuo Tong, the 2023 Asian Championships bars bronze medalist, who earned a well-deserved second place with a score of 52.865. Rounding out the top three for China was Zhang Xinyi, a beam silver medalist at the same competition, who finished with an outstanding score of 52.499. Unfortunately, Zhang Xinyi missed out on the all-around event due to the two-per-country rule.
Japan’s Okamura Mana demonstrated her remarkable skills and contributed significantly to her team’s performance, finishing in fifth place with a score of 52.432. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea showcased their talent, with Kim Sujong (52.365), An Changok (52.265), and Kim Sonhyang (52.199) securing the next three places.
In a testament to the international diversity of gymnastics, Uzbekistan’s Oksana Chusovitina, an eight-time Olympian, showcased her expertise and qualified for the vault final. India’s Pranati Nayak, the 2019 Asian Championships bronze medalist on the apparatus, also earned a well-deserved spot in the vault final.
This remarkable victory for the Chinese women’s gymnastics team follows the success of the Chinese men’s team, who also clinched the team title at the 19th Asian Games. Japan secured second place in the men’s event, with Chinese Taipei rounding out the podium in third place.
The 19th Asian Games have brought together exceptional athletes from across Asia, and the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team event is a shining example of the extraordinary talent and dedication displayed by these athletes.
Asian Games 2023 artistic gymnastics women’s team final – results
1. People’s Republic of China 161.896
2. Japan 157.229
3. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 156.829
4. Chinese Taipei 147.096
5. Republic of Korea 144.196
6. Kazakhstan 142.829
7. Singapore 140.096
8. Thailand 123.994
