Two-time Olympic gold medallist shooter Yang Qian and several Tokyo Games teammates have posted motivational messages to the country’s athletes on YouTube ahead of the Asian Games this year.
The 21-year-old, who won the first gold medal of the Tokyo Games in the women’s 10-metre air rifle, before also securing 10-metre mixed team air rifle gold, urged fans and fellow athletes to keep focused for the event in Hangzhou, which is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 25.
“Don’t underestimate yourself and what you can achieve as athletes, and don’t be afraid of failure,” said Ningbo native Yang, who stole mainland fans’ hearts after she recounted nearly quitting the sport and her university degree to take care of her ill mother.
“Please believe in yourself, persevere towards your dreams, and you will be rewarded later. Let’s meet in Hangzhou to cheer on our home athletes at the Asian Games.”
Guan Chenchen (bottom right) of China celebrates with teammate Tang Xijing after she wins the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games women’s balance beam final in Tokyo in Japan. Photo: Xinhua
Five other Chinese Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions also chimed in with similarly themed video messages.
Balance beam gold medallist and reigning national champion Guan Chenchen, 17, also spoke ahead of the Games’ “beautiful return” to China.
“Every drop of sweat is a reminder of the struggle you go through. Let’s get stronger, avoid the negative energy, and embrace the Hangzhou Games,” the former world junior champion said.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic mixed doubles badminton champion Wang Yilyu (left) with Hong Kong junior player Saloni Mehta in a sports demonstration at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Photo: SCMP/ May Tse
For badminton player Wang Yilyu, who won Tokyo gold in the mixed doubles event with Huang Dongping, the road to success is about working hard and being humble.
“There are no short-cuts to success. I will continue to keep my feet on the ground … let’s move forward together with each step and cherish the Hangzhou Asian Games together,” said the 27-year-old Wang, who visited Hong Kong for Chinese Olympians’ multi-sport display and medal parade in December.
Fellow badminton star Chen Yufei, the reigning women’s singles Olympic champion, added: “Chase your dreams and goals, and don’t be afraid of losing. Don’t take detours, and keep looking forward for the imminent Hangzhou Asian Games.”
