The Taiwan delegation is expected to send 482 players to compete in the Nagoya Asian Games

Li Yang. (File photo, taken by reporter Lin Zhengkun)

[Reporter Wu Mengru/Taipei Report] The Nagoya Asian Games will be held in September. The Sports Ministry pointed out that 482 athletes are expected to compete in more than 30 sports categories, including 240 male athletes and 242 female athletes. When asked about the goal of winning medals this year? Sports Minister Li Yang said, "Leave the results to the players, and leave the problems to the Sports Department. The Sports Department will provide good support for the players."

The Taiwan delegation sent 521 athletes to the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, winning 19 golds, 20 silvers, and 28 bronzes, for a total of 67 medals. The number of gold medals tied the team's record. However, the Nagoya Asian Games lacked key medal-winning events such as roller skating, bridge art, and Go. Hong Chi-chang, executive deputy director of the Ministry of Sports, appeared in the Legislative Yuan today and pointed out that the scale of the two Asian Games is very different. "It is a pity that the events that won 9 gold medals in the last edition will not lose their advantages. However, the coaching team will use their maximum strength. It is expected that more than 150 coaches will support the players."

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In his first Asian Games after taking over as the Minister of Sports, Li Yang was once again asked about his goal of winning medals. He emphasized that the results will be left to the players and coaches, and the Sports Department will provide logistical support. "Whether it is at the relay station or the logistics team, we will do our best to help the players. There are also plans in place. The Sports Department will provide support for the players."

As for the controversy that broke out recently about surfing getting tickets but not sending anyone to participate in the competition, Hong Zhichang explained that two male and two female players each obtained tickets to the Asian Games, and the best results of the two qualifying rounds for the female players were 7th and 13th respectively, so they were included in the list. As for the male players, they were outside the 16th place. After evaluating their strength through international competitions, they did not meet the participation standards.