Taiwan boxer Lin wins gold as virtual taekwondo makes Games debut

NAGOYA: Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting claimed Asia Games gold on Friday, two years after a gender controversy at the Olympics, as virtual taekwondo made its debut at the continental showcase. In women's tennis, China's Wang Xiyu emerged victorious after besting fellow Chinese athlete Zhang Shuai, securing a spot in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and adding to China's impressive tally of 161 gold medals.

Japan rounded out the top three medal tally with 69. The Games, marred by organizational issues in Aichi-Nagoya, concluded on Sunday. Lin repeated her success from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, claiming her second gold in the women's 60kg category. She had contemplated retirement following her 2024 Paris Olympics triumph but decided to continue, aiming to challenge those who doubted her eligibility.

Lin expressed gratitude for reaching the moment of recognition, describing it as rare. At the Olympics, Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced a significant gender dispute, initially disqualified from the 2023 world championships by the International Boxing Association for failing gender eligibility tests. The IOC intervened, allowing both boxers to compete, deeming them victims of an arbitrary decision by the highly questioned IBA.

In tennis, Wang Xiyu dominated Zhang Shuai, winning 6-2, 6-1 in 66 minutes. Tennis is one of seven sports at the Games offering Olympic qualification spots. Virtual taekwondo, an unconventional addition to the Games, saw athletes competing via virtual reality technology, standing apart in designated play areas. Despite the new format, competitors could still feel the intensity of the sport, with one participant describing the VR headset as comfortable to wear.