Nagoya, 24 September (H.S.): China clinched the women’s gymnastics team gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday, securing the title in the event for the 14th consecutive time. China finished with a total score of 166.462 points. Host nation Japan claimed silver with 165.362 points, while North Korea secured the bronze medal with 158.329 points.

China’s gold-medal-winning team comprised Ke Qinqin, Zhang Yihan, Du Siyu, Zhang Qingying and Qiu Qiyuan. Earlier, China’s men’s gymnastics team had also won the gold medal in the team event.

Japan took an early lead in the vault during the opening rotation. China’s Ke Qinqin was awarded 12.366 points after an error on her landing, while Japan’s Aiko Sugihara scored 14.066 points. Following the first rotation, China trailed Japan by 1.9 points.

China mounted a strong comeback on the uneven bars. Zhang Qingying scored 14.033 points, while Qiu Qiyuan, despite a fall, recorded a difficulty score of 6.3 and finished with 14.033 points. Du Siyu posted the highest score of the rotation with 14.866 points, giving China a 0.799-point lead.

China extended its advantage further on the balance beam. Zhang Qingying delivered an impressive routine worth 15.066 points, increasing the team’s lead to more than three points.

China maintained its advantage under pressure in the floor exercise to secure the gold medal. Japan’s experienced gymnast Aiko Sugihara produced an impressive routine, scoring 13.966 points, but by then China had established a decisive lead.

After the competition, Du Siyu said she had tried to deliver her best performance and contribute to the team’s overall score. Qiu Qiyuan, meanwhile, attributed the team’s success to the squad’s unity. She said the team members continued to support one another whenever mistakes occurred, adding that team spirit was the group’s most valuable strength.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar