China
2026.05.16 13:23 GMT+8

Sports at the Roof of the World: Wrestler Yang Zhen rises to become champion

Updated 2026.05.16 13:23 GMT+8
Zhu Mandan

From a rural village in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region to the top of the world stage, wrestler Yang Zhen has emerged as one of the region's brightest young sporting stars.

Born on March 8, 2005, in Wangre Village of Donggar Town, Lang County, Linzhi, Yang is now a key member of the Xizang Women's Wrestling Team. In 2025, she captured gold at the U20 World Wrestling Championships, bringing glory back home.

In this episode of Sports at the Roof of the World, Yang reflected on leaving home at a young age to pursue wrestling and recalls the emotions of representing China for the first time on the international stage.

She also spoke about how wrestling changed her life, as well as the role national sports development policies played in helping young athletes from remote areas chase their dreams.

Yang's journey offers an inspiring glimpse into the growing sporting culture of Xizang and the new generation of athletes rising from the plateau.

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