By Hana AlDayyat, OCA Young Reporter from Jordan
Nagoya, Japan, September 23, 2026: China extended its unbroken reign in Asian Games gymnastics on Wednesday evening, capturing their 14th consecutive gold medal in the women’s team final at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium.
Posting a combined total score of 166.462, the Chinese squad comprising Du Siyu, Ke Qinqin, Zhang Qingying, Zhang Yihan, and Qiu Qiyuan held off a spirited challenge from host nation Japan to remain the only country ever to win the women's team title in Asian Games history.
Japan’s lineup of Misa Nishiyama, Haruka Nakamura, Rina Kishi, Mana Okamura, and Aiko Sugihara secured the silver medal with a total of 165.320, while DPR Korea’s Kim Kyong Ryong, Han Yon Mi, Jo Kyong Byol, Pak Un Jong, and An Chang Ok took bronze with 158.329 points.
For 16 year old Zhang Yihan, the team gold marked a triumphant redemption following a difficult qualification round on the balance beam that saw her miss out on the individual event final.
"I did not perform well and I did not make the final," Zhang said after stepping off the podium with her team gold. "But to win this gold medal today I had to forget yesterday, start again and value every competition."
Zhang credited the squad's relentless preparation and perseverance through set-backs during the grueling lead-up to Nagoya.
"I am very happy, and it did not come easily," she added. "I have trained a great deal. I have thought about letting it go, and I kept going. Fortunately we got there."