Taiwan aims for League of Legends medal at 2026 Asian Games with foreign players

Nagoya is set to host the 20th Asian Games in 2026, where esports has been officially confirmed as a medal event, with League of Legends emerging as Taiwan's most anticipated focus for winning a medal. In an interview with this newspaper, Taiwan national team head coach Chen Ru-zhi smiled and stated that the goal for this tournament is "at least matching the silver medal from the last games," while specifically praising overseas-based players Yu Chun-jia and Cai Ming-hong as "Taiwan's treasures," hinting that they will be the key driving force behind the medal hunt.

Looking back at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where League of Legends made its debut as an official medal event, the Taiwan team navigated fierce competition in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, ultimately finishing as runners-up by a narrow margin to claim the silver medal. This achievement marked a historic milestone as Taiwan's first-ever esports medal at a major international multi-sport event. That success not only elevated Taiwan's standing in the Asian esports landscape but also prompted both the government and the private sector to recognize the potential and value of esports as an emerging sport.

Yu Chun-jia currently plays for a top-tier team in South Korea's LCK league, renowned for his precise mechanics and calm decision-making. Meanwhile, Cai Ming-hong holds a core position in North America's LCS league, bringing extensive experience in team collaboration and tactical reading. Since pursuing their careers abroad, both players have repeatedly earned honors such as MVP or Rookie of the Year in international competitions, bringing glory to Taiwan. Coach Chen pointed out that these two players not only lead in technical proficiency but also set a benchmark for the team in handling competitive pressure and mental fortitude, which is why they are hailed as "Taiwan's treasures."

To secure a medal in Nagoya, the Taiwan League_of_Legends team has been undergoing high-intensity preparation since late last year. The training camp is located at a professional esports arena in New Taipei City, where team members engage in over ten hours daily of lane practice, team fights, and strategic simulations, while inviting strong teams from South Korea, Japan, and elsewhere for sparring sessions. The Chinese Taipei Esports Association has provided advanced hardware and analytics software to help the coaching staff adjust tactics in real time. Concurrently, several local technology and beverage brands have stepped up with sponsorships, ensuring that the athletes receive comprehensive care in nutrition, rest, and psychological counseling. Chen Ru-zhi stated that the team has established a comprehensive database on opponents, with targeted drills developed for every potential rival team, striving to suppress opponents with a faster pace and higher execution during matches.

The development of esports in Taiwan has experienced exponential growth in recent years, with participation rates and audience scales reaching historic highs across campus clubs and professional leagues alike. In 2023, the government established the Sports Administration Esports Development Fund, allocating annual appropriations to support athlete training and participation in international competitions. The Ministry of Education has also incorporated esports into physical education curricula, encouraging colleges and universities to establish relevant departments. Underlying these policies is society's expectation and recognition of the professionalization and industrialization of esports. If the team can secure another medal at this year's Asian Games, it will further enhance Taiwan's influence within the global esports industry chain, attract more international events and investments to the island, and provide young people with broader employment and development opportunities.

In summary, under the leadership of coach Chen Ru-zhi, the Taiwan League of Legends national team has integrated domestic training with the practical experience of its overseas players, achieving comprehensive readiness. Facing the stage in Nagoya, the team carries not only the expectation of reclaiming the silver medal or even challenging for the gold, but also symbolizes the maturity and confidence of Taiwan's esports industry. The entire nation is watching the team's performance with eager anticipation, hoping they will achieve new heights on the Asian Games stage and bring home greater glory for Taiwan.

(Source: Central News Agency)