On July 3 (Beijing time), the Chinese Athletics Association officially announced the roster of athletes for the athletics events at the 2026 Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games.

36 male athletes will compete across 17 events, and 36 female athletes will compete in 16 events.

Surprisingly, China will not field athletes in the women's 5000m and 10000m at this Asian Games — neither 何巫呷, who ran sub-15 minutes in the U.S., nor 梁田田, who claimed a double title in Rizhao, are on the list, which is regrettable.

In men's middle- and long-distance running, Wang Wenjie is the lone representative, competing in both the men's 5000m and 10000m events. Another young talent, Yu Shuiqing, ultimately missed the Asian Games due to injury.

The marathon lineup was decided entirely by the Lanzhou Marathon selection results: Feng Peiyou, Jia Erenjia, Ciren Cuomu, and Wu Bing will head to Nagoya. The marathon is also the only event with competitors from outside the state sports system, and Jia Erenjia has brought more hope to those non-system athletes.

China did not enter any athletes in the 3000m steeplechase this time, largely due to the event's overall modest results this year. After 张新艳 and 许双双, who can take up the mantle remains to be seen.

In the highly anticipated women's 100m hurdles, two athletes with major-competition experience, Wu Yanni and Lin Yuwei, have earned their places. Mo Jiadie, who previously competed at the World Championships, is unfortunately absent, but we eagerly await even bigger surprises from her in the 100m hurdles in the future!

We'll bring more Asian Games coverage and updates later.