China's Lyu dominates Asian Athletics Championships with new records
The opening day of the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha saw Chinese athletics players' dominant displays. Women's shot put world champion Gong Lijiao is unlikely to be challenged in her event while the current world No.1 javelin thrower Lyu Huihui, who won the bronze at the London championships in 2017, clinches the first gold medal in Doha after setting a new tournament record.
The two-time World Championship javelin medalist Lyu produced a Championship record throw to win the title in a distance of 65.83 meters at the Khalifa International Stadium, although the distance was shy of her Asian record of 67.59m.
India's Annu Rani finished as the runner-up after achieving a distance of 60.22m and Thailand's Nattan Nachan was third with 56.01m. Lyu broke the women's Asian record for the sixth time with a 67.72m last week at the National Track and Field Grand Prix in Huangshi, Hubei Province of China, which puts her at the top of the year's leading throws in IAAF ranking.
"After one gold and a silver at World Championships, I know it's time for me to win the gold here, in Doha. I'm ready for the title and I did it," Lyu said after the win.
A new Asia record and now a new Championships' record within 10 days has made a fantastic season as she looks to lay down more markers ahead of the Tokyo Olympics next year.
Gong Lijiao of China attends the podium ceremony after winning first place in the women's shot put during 23rd Asian Athletics Championships at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on April 21, 2019. /VCG Photo
In women's shot put event, reigning world champion and Diamond League winner Gong Lijiao continued her powerful performance as she opened an 18.52m in the first round which was enough to capture the title and secure China's second gold medal in Doha. The 17th straight victory also adds the first continental title to the 30-year-old shot putter.
"My goal is not just to win the title, but also to achieve a good result," Gong said before the tournament. To be exact, she set an over-19.50 meters mark goal.
Among all the participants, Gong was the only one to go past the 19m mark. Bahrain's Noora Jasim won silver with an 18m effort, while Gong's compatriot, another Chinese Song Jiayuan took the bronze with 17.70.