Taiwan shooting and weightlifting stars face golden challenges at Nagoya Asian Games

On September 29, the Nagoya Asian Games entered a critical phase, with the Taiwan delegation seeking breakthroughs across multiple events. Having already demonstrated their strength in the first two days of competition, Taiwan athletes face a upcoming schedule that will have a decisive impact on the island's total medal count. In particular, in the men's trap shooting and weightlifting events, two athletes have emerged as Taiwan's most promising gold medal contenders.

In the men's trap shooting event, Yang Kun-pi temporarily claimed first place in the qualifications with a total score of 1155.6 points, trailing the leader by a mere 0.5 points. Since competing in the Asian Cup in 2018, Yang has repeatedly achieved outstanding results in international competitions and secured a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships. For him, this Asian Games is not only a matter of personal honor, but also a crucial milestone for Taiwan's shooting sports to elevate its prestige on the international stage.

In weightlifting, Chen Po-jen competed in the 73-kilogram category, having set a personal best with a total lift of 158 kilograms during warm-ups over the past two days. Chen previously finished sixth with a total lift of 157 kilograms at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won the gold medal at the 2021 Asian Weightlifting Championships. Taiwan's weightlifting team has long earned international renown for its precise technique and resilient spirit, and Chen's performance is seen as a reflection of Taiwan's sustained competitiveness in the sport.

In addition to trap shooting and weightlifting, Taiwan holds medal opportunities in badminton, swimming, and other sports. The badminton doubles pair previously claimed a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games, while a swimmer broke the 50-second barrier in the 100-meter freestyle, signaling Taiwan's potential in aquatic events. These results demonstrate that Taiwan has developed competitiveness across a diverse range of sporting fields, with the Asian Games serving as an important platform to test its overall strength.

For Taiwan, this competition is not merely a race of numbers, but a symbol of national image and national unity. Taiwan frequently faces political constraints on the international sports stage, yet through athletic achievements, it is able to enhance its visibility within the international community. If they can