Hangzhou rower Zou Jiaqi (L) and her teammate Qiu Xiuping. [Photo/WeChat account: gmw_001]

During the Hangzhou Asian Games, which drew to a close on Oct 8, Hangzhou, as the host city, showcased its top-tier organizational skills and remarkable athletic prowess.

This year's Games marked a historic achievement for the city.

Hangzhou fielded its largest-ever contingent, consisting of 38 athletes, making it the most extensive representation in its Asian Games history. Competing on home turf, the athletes clinched a grand total of 19 gold, eight silver, and three bronze medals and shattered one Asian record, propelling the city's cumulative gold medal count to 99.

The first day of the Games set the tone for Hangzhou's athletes, as rowers Zou Jiaqi and Qiu Xiuping secured the city's first gold medal. The early victory ignited a spirited run in various sports, including rowing, taekwondo, cycling, swimming, esports, canoeing, dragon boating, badminton, chess, and bridge.

Hangzhou athletes excelled in aquatic events, amassing eight gold medals in rowing, canoeing, and dragon boating. Notable triumphs include three golds for Fan Yiting and Yu Shimeng in dragon boating and two golds each for Wang Congkang and Wang Nan in canoeing.

Hangzhou swimmer Ye Shiwen. [Photo/WeChat account: cctvnewscenter]

In swimming, local athletes earned three gold and three silver medals. Ye Shiwen, Fei Liwei, and Hong Jinquan each secured a gold and a silver medal. The seamless transition from experienced athletes to the next generation ensures the tradition and historical depth of Hangzhou's swimming legacy.

The Games' intellectual sports category also garnered attention, with Hangzhou athletes Hou Yifan, Wu Yiming, and Wang Chunyu showcasing their strength in chess and esports and leading the way with five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.

On Oct 7, the final day of the badminton competition, Hangzhou's Huang Yaqiong and her partner Zheng Siwei clinched the mixed doubles gold medal. In the women's singles, Chen Yufei fought gallantly and secured a silver medal.

Additionally, Hangzhou's Gen-Z talent, Cui Yang and Jiang Yulu, made their mark in taekwondo and cycling, earning gold medals. In volleyball and basketball, Li Yongzhen, Wang Bin, and Yu Jiahao secured silver and bronze medals, setting the stage for their eagerly anticipated performances at the Paris Olympics next year.