2LT National News

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) — Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:

1. China exits Women’s Volleyball World Championship with defeat to France

China crashed out of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship on August 31 with a 3-1 defeat to France in the round of 16, losing 25-20, 27-25, 22-25, 25-20.

The win sends France into the quarterfinals of the World Championship for the first time.

For China, the early exit marks a step back from 2022, when the team reached the quarterfinals.

2. China claims two titles at BWF World Championships

China claimed two titles, including Shi Yuqi’s maiden world singles trophy as the 2025 BWF World Championships concluded in Paris on August 31.

In a grueling three-game men’s final, Shi rallied past Thailand’s defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 19-21, 21-10, 21-18.

In the women’s doubles final, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning of China, and Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan showcased high-quality offense and defense in a highly competitive match, before Liu and Tan prevailed 21-14, 20-22, 21-17 to clinch their first-ever world championships title.

3. China advances into final four at Men’s Hockey Asia Cup

China drew 2-2 with Japan in the group stage finale and progressed to the last four at the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup held in Rajgir, India on September 1.

Facing Japan, which also had a 1-1 win-loss record ahead of their duel, China went ahead in the seventh minute through Lin Changliang, and Zhang Xiaojia doubled the advantage in the 25th minute.

Japan clawed back from there, with two goals from Kazumasa Matsumoto in the 28th and 51st minutes leveling the score.

With both teams collecting four points from three matches, China overpowered Japan on goal difference at 11-6 to secure the second place in Group A, thus advancing into the Super 4s along with group leader India.

China’s best result in the continental tournament is third place, achieved in 1982 and 2009.

4. China edges Timor-Leste in AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifier

China’s U-22 men’s national football team saw off Timor-Leste 2-1 in its opening game at the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province on September 3.

In Group D’s other game, Australia smashed the Northern Mariana Islands 14-0, taking a temporary lead in the group on goal difference, with China ranking second.

Along with host nation Saudi Arabia, the 11 group winners and four best runners-up will qualify for the finals to be held in January 2026.

China will face the Northern Mariana Islands on September 6.

5. China launches selection for men’s football coach, targets 2030 World Cup qualification

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced on September 5 that it has opened applications for the men’s national team head coach, setting a clear target of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The application period runs until September 20. Candidates must meet seven requirements, including having prior experience as head coach in major international tournaments or top professional leagues in Europe or Asia, and being under 60 years old in principle. Nationality is not restricted.

According to the CFA, the new coach will be expected to “raise the team’s level and FIFA ranking, and achieve the goal of reaching the 2030 World Cup,” while adopting a proactive philosophy to build a disciplined and competitive squad.

The new coach’s first major assignment will be the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.