(CNA reporter Li Chien-chung, Taipei, 14th) The Sports Administration announced today the list of Taiwan's delegation for the Nagoya Asian Games, with the badminton team comprising 10 male and 10 female athletes. Lee Yang, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and now head of the Sports Administration, joked about his former partner Wang Chi-lin, saying, 'He changes partners after every Asian Games.'

Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin previously won two Olympic gold medals in men's doubles badminton at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Although Lee has now transitioned into his role as head of the Sports Administration, he remains deeply invested in the performance of Taiwan's badminton team at this year's Asian Games.

Lee mentioned that upon seeing the delegation list, he naturally paid attention to the badminton team, as he himself is a former athlete and naturally hopes for their success.

Then, Lee shifted tone and teased his former partner Wang Chi-lin: 'Ever since the Jakarta Asian Games, he changes partners after every Asian Games. I'm kind of curious what will happen after this year’s edition.'

Wang Chi-lin won a bronze medal in the men's badminton team event at the Jakarta Asian Games. He and his then-partner Chen Hung-ling lost in their first men's doubles match. At the Hangzhou Asian Games, he partnered with Lee Yang to win a bronze medal in men's doubles. This year, he is teaming up with Hsu Ya-ching.

Lee joked, 'I still hope they can achieve good results. After all, the atmosphere at major games is different from regular international tournaments.' Besides Wang Chi-lin, Lee also specifically mentioned Chou Tien-chen, Taiwan's 'men's singles ace' currently ranked world No. 6.

'When I was an athlete, I always felt that with so many packed tournaments, maintaining physical condition at a high level while avoiding injury was extremely difficult. So seeing Tien-ge (Chou Tien-chen) compete in his fifth Asian Games and still maintain a high level of competitiveness is truly remarkable,' said Lee. (Edited by Lung Po-an) 1150714

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Event