BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:
1. China tops medal tally as Paris Paralympics closes
China finished atop the medal tally for the sixth consecutive Paralympic Games, with a total of 220 medals - 94 golds, 76 silvers, and 50 bronzes as the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games came to an end after 12 days of thrilling competition on September 8.
China's central authorities sent a congratulatory message to the Paralympic delegation for their accomplishments and sportsmanship.
"You have won glory for our country and people, and we extend warm congratulations and heartfelt compliments to you," read a message jointly sent by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, China's cabinet.
2. China loses to 10-man Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifier
China suffered their second straight loss in the third phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier as they were defeated by 10-man Saudi Arabia 2-1 at home on September 10.
China broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, when Jiang Shenglong's header forced an own goal from Ali Lajami, and Mohamed Kanno was given a straight red card for a violent foul on Jiang five minutes later.
However, Hassan Kadish scored two headers, including a late winner, to help Saudi Arabia come from behind.
After two matches, China tailed six-team Group C.
3. Gu Ailing, Zhang Kexin dominate FIS freeski World Cup opener in New Zealand
Beijing Winter Olympic champion Gu Ailing and Zhang Kexin ensured a one-two finish at the opening event of the 2024-2025 FIS Freeski World Cup halfpipe competition in Cardrona, New Zealand on September 9.
Despite challenging conditions of heavy fog and strong winds, Gu claimed her 15th World Cup title with a stunning score of 96 points, with all three of her runs scoring over 90 points.
Zhang secured the silver medal with a third-run score of 89.25 points, earning 822.7 FIS points, giving her a strong start in her bid to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Canadian skier Rachael Karker finished third on 87 points.
4. Final report reaffirms WADA not biased towards China
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was found to have shown no bias toward China, and its decision not to appeal cases was deemed reasonable, according to the final report of Independent Prosecutor Eric Cottier.
The report reviewed WADA's handling of the no-fault contamination case involving Chinese swimmers in 2021, and reaffirmed the conclusion from the interim report released in July.
"The information in the file shows that WADA has done its work autonomously, independently and professionally, and that there is no evidence to the contrary. WADA has applied the rules to which its activity is subject," Cottier said.
5. Chinese FA imposes life bans on 43 people for gambling, match fixing
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced on September 10 that 43 individuals have been banned for life from participating in football-related activities for gambling and match-fixing.
Among those banned for life are former Chinese internationals Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, and Gu Chao, as well as South Korean player Son Jun-ho.
The bans were imposed after a two-year investigation uncovered a series of online gambling, match-fixing, and bribery cases. The investigation implicated 120 matches, 128 criminal suspects, and 41 football clubs.■