China break with tradition with unveiling of blue official podium uniforms for Asian Games
Also for the first time, female athletes will have the option of wearing trousers or skirts, a change that has sparked widespread discussion
In a break from tradition, China have unveiled vibrant blue official podium uniforms for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, marking the first time the colour has been used at the continental showpiece event.
The new colour replaces the traditional red and yellow uniforms the team had used for decades.
Furthermore, for the first time at the Games, female athletes will have the option of wearing trousers or skirts, a change that has sparked widespread discussion online.
Jointly launched by the Chinese Olympic Committee and sportswear brand Li-Ning, the unveiling of the new uniforms took place at the National Olympic Sports Centre in Beijing on Saturday evening ahead of the start of the games next month.
Sporting legends including Li Ning, alongside active athletes from China’s national table tennis, shooting, diving, fencing and water polo teams, attended the event wearing the new attire.
The design team said the choice aimed to evoke sporting memories across generations while presenting a fresher, more sophisticated visual image through low-saturation tones.