Powerhouse provinces: a rundown on the teams that dominate at National Games
Three teams have topped the medal table 11 times across the 14 editions of the event over 66 years, but one is no longer taking part
On November 9, 73 teams and more than 20,000 athletes representing China’s provinces, municipalities and regions will descend on Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong to take part in the 15th National Games.
Often referred to as the country’s Olympics, the Games were first held in Beijing in September and October 1959 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Over the decades, the Games have undergone other significant changes. The first four editions were held exclusively in Beijing, with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) winning three times.
It was only in 2020 that China’s military sports teams were withdrawn from civilian competitions. The Games used to feature an array of weird and wonderful teams, including ones representing the oil and coal mining industries.
Despite a wide range of teams having competed in 14 editions over 66 years, three teams, including the PLA, have topped the medal table 11 times.
But which teams might expect to top the medal table this year? Here is everything you need to know about the best provinces taking part.