BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) — Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:
1. China celebrates 18th National Fitness Day
China celebrated the 18th National Fitness Day on August 8. Established in 2009, the day has become an important platform for promoting sports and fitness nationwide.
Inspired by the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, National Fitness Day aims to further ignite public enthusiasm for exercise. Over the years, communities across the country have organized diverse activities, such as fitness programs, public sports events, professional guidance sessions, and facility openings.
As the idea of nationwide fitness gains popularity, regular exercise has become an essential part of daily life for many Chinese people. Participation spans from urban to rural areas and includes both traditional and emerging activities, reflecting China’s continued efforts to build a healthier society.
2. China edges Nigeria in Women’s Basketball World Cup warmup
Towering center Zhang Ziyu had a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds as China squeezed past Nigeria 70-67 in a warmup game in preparation for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup on August 7.
In a closely contested game, Nigeria leveled the score at 67-67 going into the final minute. Zhang’s basket pushed China up 70-67 with 15.1 seconds remaining, before Nigeria missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer.
Zhang shot 11 of 15 from the field. Yang Shuyu added 12 points for China, who shot 3-of-18 from 3-point range.
3. China takes five golds on China-Central Asia Elite Wrestling tournament opening day
Chinese wrestlers won five Greco-Roman wrestling gold medals at the 2026 China-Central Asia Elite Wrestling tournament here on August 7, with over 200 wrestlers from 10 countries and regions competing in the three-day tournament.
The five golds came from Hu Yunlong in 60kg, Yan Mingqiang in 67kg, Ayidingbieke Talimubieke in 87kg, Hao Houzhi in 97kg and Jiang Wenhao in 130kg. The gold medal in the 77kg category went to South Korea’s Noh Yeong-hun.
4. China secures two straight wins at Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship
After winning the first match 3-0 against the Philippines, China secured its second consecutive win at the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship after sweeping Tunisia 3-0 on the second match day on August 7, moving to the top of Pool B.
China showed a clear advantage in strength and cruised to a comfortable win in straight sets 25-8, 25-10 and 25-14.
Chen Ruihan led China’s scoring effort with a team-high 17 points, while Niu Sidi added 14 points. China dominated in attack, scoring 39 points from offensive plays and seven points through blocks.
5. China U17 to meet Arsenal U17 in Shanghai Future Stars Cup Final
China’s U17 men’s national team defeated River Plate U17 3-1 on penalties in the 2026 Shanghai Future Stars Cup semifinal on August 7.
Goalkeeper Jiang Yuhan was China’s hero in the shootout, saving two River Plate spot kicks to secure his side’s place in the final.
China will face Arsenal U17 in the final on August 9.■