China breaks record for number of Asian Games swimming gold medals after 45 years

Host China broke Japan's record of 25 swimming gold medals set at the 1978 Asian Games in Thailand.

China's swimming team topped the overall tally with 28 gold medals in 41 events at the 19th Asian Games. On the final day of swimming yesterday, September 29, China won four more gold medals in the women's 50m butterfly and 800m freestyle, and the men's 50m breaststroke and 200m backstroke.

In the previous edition, China had the same 19 gold medals as Japan but ranked second with 17 silver medals - three less than its opponent. This edition, the host of the 19th Asian Games has completed its goal of domination.

The Chinese mixed 4x100m swimming team won the gold medal at the 19th Asian Games. Photo: AP

Female swimmer Zhang Yufei contributed the most with four individual gold medals in the 50m freestyle, 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly, and a gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Following was Li Bingjie, who contributed three individual gold medals in the women's 400m, 800m and 1,500m freestyle, and a gold medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Swimmer Xu Jiayu won a trio of gold medals in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, while Qin Haiyang won a trio of gold medals in the breaststroke. Both also contributed to the gold medal in the 4x100m medley relay.

China's gold medal count was nearly double that of the other teams combined. South Korea ranked second with six gold medals, followed by Japan (5) and Hong Kong (2).

Along with 21 silver and nine bronze medals, China won a total of 58 medals, breaking the record of 54 medals set by itself in Guangzhou in 2010, including 24 gold, 16 silver and 14 bronze medals.

In addition to 58 medals, Chinese swimmers also broke five out of eight Asian swimming records in the 4x100m medley relay, 4x100m freestyle, 200m medley, 100m freestyle for men and 50m breaststroke for women. In addition, the team broke 15 out of 25 Asian Games records.

Chinese swimming frog prince Qin Haiyang won four gold medals at the 19th Asian Games. Photo: Kyodo — Chinese swimming "Frog Prince" Qin Haiyang won four gold medals at the 19th Asian Games. Photo: *Kyodo*

After 19 Games, Chinese swimming ranks second with a total of 189 gold medals, 169 silver medals and 97 bronze medals. Leading is Japan with 280 gold medals, 267 silver medals and 184 bronze medals. South Korea ranks third with 28 gold medals, 20 silver medals and 68 bronze medals.

Japan has led the swimming team in 11 Asian Games, while China has led in seven of the last nine. Singapore led the inaugural Asian Games in 1951, as a city in New Delhi, India.

Vietnam is ranked 18th with one silver and five bronze medals. The highest-ranked Southeast Asian country is Singapore – fourth, with 12 gold, 17 silver and 33 bronze medals.

Mid-Autumn Festival

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