China extends 52-year unbeaten record in diving as Asian Games organisers offer apologies

China's Chen Yiwen won gold in the women's 3m springboard event at Asian Games 2026. | Photo Credit: AP

China’s divers extended their remarkable Asian Games unbeaten record stretching back to 1974 as a top Japanese official apologised Wednesday for “inconveniences” that have dogged the continent’s premier sporting event.

Chinese divers were unstoppable once more as the country’s massive overall tally of gold medals swelled to 150 with four days left.

Hosts Japan is a distant second with 50 golds, ahead of South Korea with 24.

Chen Yiwen and Lian Junjie each won gold in the final two diving events to give China a 14th consecutive clean sweep in the sport.

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China has won every diving gold medal since its first Asian Games appearance 52 years ago.

“Girls are every bit as capable as boys. We are pushing ourselves to perform more difficult dives, too,” said Chen, a double Paris Olympics champion.

“We do not train any less than the boys,” she added.

‘Mishandling’

Nagoya’s mayor apologised to athletes for “inconveniences” at the Games following a string of complaints. The event has been marred by problems including a shortage of beds and issues with transport.

There are over 17,000 athletes and officials, more than the Olympics, and countries have accused local organisers of mismanagement.

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“We must offer our apologies to the athletes and others affected by these inconveniences,” said Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa, who is also acting chairman of the local organising committee.

“We must sincerely reflect on the mishandling that occurred,” he added.

Unlike past Games, there is no athletes’ village in a bid to save money, with participants instead sleeping in temporary wooden units, on a cruise ship and in hotels.