China Sports Weekly (7.27-8.2)

BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:

1. Chinese government unveils plan to boost football development and youth training

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin announced on July 31 a comprehensive plan by the Chinese government to enhance football development through a series of strategic measures, including the establishment of national and regional youth training centers.

Speaking at China's national football development conference, Shen emphasized the critical focus on nurturing a robust national youth football system. This initiative aims to expedite the construction of youth training centers at all levels, promote football education within schools, and cultivate high-level coaching talent.

2. 100-day countdown to China's 15th National Games celebrated

The 100-day countdown to China's 15th National Games was celebrated in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao on August 1 and 2.

Named "Blossom," the torch for the Games was unveiled on August 2, with its design embodying communication, integration and shared prosperity of the Greater Bay Area.

The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) launched the "100-Day to the National Games -- All Together for 1 Million KM Challenge" in July. The 999,900 km mission of the challenge has been accomplished online by local residents, and the remaining 100 km mission was completed at the Tseung Kwan O Cycling Velodrome on August 2.

In Macao, the celebration included the 100-day countdown fitness walk, a lively evening gala and the opening of the licensed merchandise retail store on August 1.

China's 15th National Games will take place from November 9 to 21.

3. China to send largest-ever delegation to 2025 Chengdu World Games

China unveiled a 489-member delegation, including 321 athletes, on July 29 for the upcoming 2025 Chengdu World Games.

The team will compete in 152 events across 28 sports, marking China's largest participation in the history of the Games. This year also marks the first inclusion of para-athletes in the delegation.

As the highest-level international multi-sport event outside the Olympic Games, the 12th edition of the World Games will be held in Chengdu from August 7 to 17.

4. Qin Haiyang completes breaststroke golden double at Singapore Worlds

China's Qin Haiyang completed a golden breaststroke double at the World Aquatics Championships on August 1, adding the men's 200-meter title to his 100m gold earlier in the meet.

Despite qualifying eighth for the final, Qin surged to victory in two minutes 7.41 seconds. This win also marked his fourth medal in Singapore, having previously taken bronze in the 50m breaststroke and silver in the 4x100m mixed medley relay.

5. China claims two more golds as Rhine-Ruhr Universiade concludes

The 2025 Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games concluded on July 27, with China securing two gold medals on the final day of competition.

China sat second in the overall medal standings with 30 golds, 27 silvers and 17 bronzes. Japan topped the medal table with 79 medals, including 34 golds. The United States placed third with 28 golds.

6. Brazil defeats China to reach Men's VNL Finals semis

Host China lost 3-1 to world No. 4 Brazil in the quarterfinal as the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals kicked off in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province on July 30.

China made a strong start, overcoming an early deficit in the first set to win 31-29.

In the second set, China led 17-14 but then conceded nine consecutive points. Despite calling two timeouts, the team was unable to turn the tables and lost the set 25-19.

Brazil took control in the third set with a 25-16 win, then sealed the match in the fourth, pulling away late to secure a 25-21 victory. ■