Olympic Gold Medalist Gong to Head China's Squad at World Indoor Championships
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Synopsis
Gong Lijiao, the Olympic gold medalist in women's shot put, will lead a contingent of 35 athletes representing China at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing. The event will include top athletes from around the globe competing for medals and prize money.
Key Takeaways
- Gong Lijiao is the leading athlete for China at the championships.
- The event will occur in Nanjing from March 21 to 23, 2025.
- China's team features notable athletes, including Zhu Yaming and Li Chenyang.
- A total of 78 medals will be awarded across various events.
- Prize money is available for top finishers in individual and team competitions.
Beijing, March 14 (NationPress) The 2020 Tokyo Olympic women's shot put champion Gong Lijiao is among 35 athletes chosen to represent China at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing next week.
At the age of 36, the five-time Olympian Gong is the oldest competitor on the team, which was announced by the Chinese Athletics Association on Friday, featuring 18 men and 17 women.
With a personal best of 20.58 metres, Gong commenced the 2025 season with a 19.04m triumph at an indoor national trial last month. This experienced shot putter has already secured two bronze medals at the World Indoor Championships in 2014 and 2018.
China's team also features Zhu Yaming, the men's triple jump silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, along with promising pole vaulter Li Chenyang, who recently set a new men's national record at 5.85m.
The 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships will be held from March 21 to 23, showcasing approximately 700 athletes from over 150 nations and regions.
Nanjing will host this 21st edition of the event, which began in 1985, and was last conducted in Glasgow in 2024. The United States has been the most decorated country in this competition, having topped the medal tally in 12 editions.
Competitions will span across 26 events – 13 for both men and women – with a total of 78 medals to be distributed during the thrilling three-day competition.
Athletes and teams will contend for prize money at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25. The champions in both individual and team events will earn USD 40,000, while the second-place finishers will receive USD 20,000, and the third will take home USD 10,000. Those who finish fourth, fifth, and sixth will receive USD 8,000, 6,000, and 4,000, respectively.
