BEIJING, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:
1. World's first humanoid robot half-marathon kicks off in Beijing
Beijing humanoid robots half-marathon caught spotlight on April 19 as robotic and human participants run along the same route on separate tracks, marking the world's first event of its kind.
Covering 21.0975 kilometers through the capital's Economic-Technological Development Area, Tiangong Ultra crossed the finish line first with a time of two hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds.
Each robot was supported by a team of human navigators, operators, and engineers. Robots launched sequentially at intervals exceeding one meter, confined to dedicated tracks where battery swaps mirror Formula 1's pit stops.
2. Chen Yufei triumphs in badminton Asian Championships
Chen Yufei staged a remarkable comeback to claim her maiden badminton Asian Championships title, defeating compatriot Han Yue in an all-Chinese women's singles final on April 13.
The 27-year-old shuttler overcame a slow start to prevail 11-21, 21-14, 21-9 in a 66-minute thriller at Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, marking a triumphant return to top form after an extended hiatus after missing out on Paris Olympics glory.
In the men's singles final, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn beat home favorite Lu Guangzu to claim the continental title. Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning lifted the women's doubles trophy while the men's doubles title went to Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet from China's Hong Kong won the mixed doubles title.
3. China retains place in women's ice hockey worlds Division I Group A
China secured its place in next season's IIHF Women's Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group A after registering three losses and one win in the 2025 campaign.
Despite consecutive losses to Slovakia and Austria in the first two matches, China rallied back to beat the Netherlands 2-1. A narrow 3-2 loss to France in the shootout in the following match on April 16 was enough for the host to avoid relegation before playing Denmark.
The Netherlands will be relegated to Division I Group B next season.
4. Olympic champs Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha make ITTF World Cup semifinals
Olympic gold medalist Wang Chuqin narrowly survived a major upset by Germany's Benedikt Duda on April 18 to secure his spot in the semifinals of the ITTF Men's and Women's World Cup Macao 2025.
In an epic clash of left-handed players, Wang overcame Duda to win 4-3. After trading the first six games, Duda claimed match point in the decider, but Wang held his nerve and reeled off three straight points to seal a 12-10 victory.
He will next face off against Hugo Calderano while the other semifinal features two Chinese players Liang Jingkun and Lin Shidong.
In the women's singles, Kuai Man book a ticket to the final after defeating Ito Mima of Japan. She will await the winner from the all-Chinese semifinal between Olympic champion Sun Yingsha and Chen Xingtong.
5. Two Chinese referees to officiate at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Chinese referee Ma Ning and video match official Fu Ming have been appointed to officiate at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, according to a list released by FIFA on April 14.
The world football governing body has named 35 referees, 58 assistant referees, and 24 video match officials for its new flagship club competition, which will be held from June 14 to July 13 in the United States.
6. Chinese delegation dominates 2025 U15 Gymnasiade with 61 gold medals
The Chinese delegation emerged as a dominant force at the 2025 ISF U15 Gymnasiade, securing a total of 61 gold, 21 silver, and 16 bronze medals during the international youth competition held in Serbia from April 4 to 14.
Comprising 101 student-athletes from 81 schools, the team competed in 16 sports and 125 events, achieving personal and national bests while showcasing the growing strength of China's youth sports.
Fourteen of the 61 gold medals were won in the athletics, where the 19-member Chinese team swept half of all gold medals on offer, along with six silvers and two bronzes.
