China Sports Weekly (2.22-2.28)

BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:

1. Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics closes as China posts best-ever overseas result

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics concluded on February 22, after 17 days of competition that saw broad participation, historic breakthroughs and China's best-ever performance at an overseas Winter Games.

The Games officially opened on February 6, featuring 2,880 athletes from 93 delegations competing in 116 events across eight sports and 16 disciplines, with women accounting for a record 47 percent of competitors.

As the most geographically spread-out Winter Olympics in history, the Games' competition venues were divided into four clusters: the urban hub of Milan, and the mountain venues of Cortina, Valtellina and Val di Fiemme, spanning over 22,000 square kilometers in northern Italy.

China sent its largest-ever delegation to an overseas Winter Olympics, fielding 126 athletes in 91 events across 15 disciplines. The team finished with five gold, four silver and six bronze medals, marking its best result at an overseas Winter Games and also equaling its overall medal count from Beijing 2022.

2. China to send 70 athletes to Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games

China announced on February 27 a 167-member delegation, including 70 athletes, to compete in 71 events across six sports at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, marking the country's largest delegation and most extensive event participation in an overseas Winter Paralympics.

The 51 male and 19 female athletes are all amateurs, with 62 of them having competed in the Winter Paralympics. Their average age is 27, ranging from 18 to 40 years old.

The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics will be held from March 6 to 15, featuring 79 events across six sports - Para Alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling, with over 600 athletes from 52 countries and regions expected to compete.

It will mark China's seventh appearance at the Winter Paralympics.

3. China overturns 15-point deficit to beat Japan for first win at FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers

China fought back from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat Japan 87-80 on February 26, securing its first win in the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

China trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half before going into the break 47-33 down, but outscored Japan 25-9 in the third quarter to take a 58-56 lead into the final period.

The closing stages turned scrappy as both sides traded blows and several technical and unsportsmanlike fouls called against China sparked controversy on the sideline.

Japan capitalized at the free-throw line to narrow the gap, but Hu Jinqiu delivered at both ends with consecutive baskets in the paint and a key block, while Zhao Jiwei converted a crucial 3-point play to help the visitors finally seal the win.

China will next face Chinese Taipei on March 1.

4. World No. 1 Sun Yingsha advances to last 8 at Singapore Smash

Women's world No. 1 Sun Yingsha of China led a group of Chinese players in securing places in the singles quarterfinals at the 2026 WTT Singapore Smash on February 27.

Sun beat teammate Shi Xunyao 3-1 to book her spot in the last eight and will next face Japan's Hina Hayata, who edged China's Kuai Man 3-2. Chen Yi defeated Japan's Honoka Hashimoto 3-0 to set up an all-Chinese quarterfinal meeting with Chen Xingtong.

In the men's singles draw, Chen Yuanyu overcame world No. 2 Hugo Calderano of Brazil 3-1 to advance to the quarterfinals, where he will take on Sweden's Truls Moregard.

Wang Manyu and Wang Yidi in the women's singles, along with Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong in the men's singles, also made their way into the last eight.

5. FIFA president Infantino backs Chinese football reforms

Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence in the direction of Chinese football's reform drive, reaffirming FIFA's commitment to supporting the country's long-term development at a moment of renewed structural reset.

In an exclusive written statement to Xinhua News Agency on February 26, the FIFA president said cooperation with the Chinese Football Association had been a consistent theme throughout his decade in office, while acknowledging a renewed focus on grassroots rebuilding.

"Today, I am encouraged by the direction of the CFA under the leadership of president Song Kai," Infantino said, adding that the emphasis on youth-oriented grassroots development is a long-term approach that FIFA supports. ■