China's Zhang Liang celebrates with his gold medals after winning the rowing men's single sculls final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, September 25, 2023. /CFP
China's Zhang Liang has once again showcased his remarkable prowess at the Hangzhou Asian Games, as he secured his second gold medal in the rowing competition.
Following his previous triumph alongside Liu Zhiyu in the men's double sculls, the 36-year-old veteran emerged victorious once more, this time conquering the men's single sculls event on Monday.
This momentous victory means Zhang has now become the most decorated male athlete in the history of the Asian Games' rowing competition. With a remarkable achievement of winning individual gold medals in four straight Games, he has etched his name in the annals of sporting greatness at this prestigious event.
Having completed his campaign at this year's Asian Games, Zhang is not content with his current accomplishments. Instead, he has set his sights on the upcoming Paris Olympics next year.
"Over the past decade or so, from Guangzhou to Hangzhou, I have been a part of the Asian Games and have witnessed China's incredible progress," said Zhang. "I will redouble my efforts and strive for success at the Paris Olympics."
China's Sheng Lihao during the men's 10m air rifle individual final in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, September 25, 2023. /CFP
Later in the day, Chinese rowers maintained their form, securing gold medals in the women's quadruple sculls, men's quadruple sculls, women's four without coxswain and women's eight with coxswain events.
China also continues to make headlines at the shooting range. In the men's 10m air rifle individual final, the hosts' 19-year-old rising star Sheng Lihao broke the world record with a phenomenal score of 253.3 points, surpassing the previous record of 252.8 points.
This feat not only earned him the gold medal but also marked the first world record broken by a Chinese athlete at this year's Asian Games.
However, in a surprising turn of events in the men's 10m air rifle team event, it was India who claimed the gold medal, edging out China. The Indian shooting squad achieved an total of 1893.7 points, surpassing the world record of 1893.3 points previously set by China just under a month ago at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.