From selling stones to selling scenery, Yucun, a former small mining village in Anji county, East China's Zhejiang Province, has transformed from a polluting miner to an environmental steward. 

The example of Yucun is a vivid display of China's green transition effort and a successful balance between economic growth and ecological protection as China is moving forward by ramping up more efforts in all areas of socioeconomic development so as to accomplish the goal of building a Beautiful China, which is stressed in the key meeting in July.

Mines in Yucun village have been converted into rapeseed fields and lotus ponds, creating picturesque landscapes. 

This green transition represents a vivid example of making low-carbon development sustainable amid the country's efforts on ecological protection. The green growth model also put President Xi Jinping's vision of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" into practice.

At present, Yucun has afforested more than 500 mu (33 hectares) of the previous mining area and has planted about 3,000 mu of trees, lifting the forest coverage rate from under 70 percent in 2005 to a current 95 percent, according to official statistics. 

How it happened?

In the 1990s, Yucun relied on blasting mountains to build lime kilns, set up brick and cement factories, and once became the richest village in Anji county. However, this prosperity came at the cost of the local environment.

Extensive development has led to dust in the air and mud in rivers, villagers in Yucun told the Global Times. They recalled struggling with the question: Where is the way out? Balancing economic growth with environmental protection seemed like an impossible challenge to resolve. 

From 2003, Yucun closed, within three years, three limestone quarries and a cement factory, which at the time accounted for 95 percent of its annual income. 

In 2005, President Xi, then secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, visited Yucun, where he said that "mountains and rivers green are mountains of silver and gold," the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The site of the demolished cement factory was converted into a plantation, and a large area of land was turned into rapeseed fields and lotus ponds. In 2021, Yucun was named "Best Tourism Village" by the UN World Tourism Organization.

The unique scenery has attracted more tourists to the small village. Thanks to this travel boom, villagers soon made more money than when they relied on mining and cement. 

"Yucun was a village without famous sights and historical sites, and we were uncertain if we could develop local tourism," Yu Xiaoping, deputy Party chief of Yucun village, told the Global Times. "But time has proved that we were on the right path of transition from 'selling stones' to 'selling scenery' and balancing economic development with ecological protection."

"Tourism began to improve in 2006, when I made 300,000 yuan  ($42,189)," Pan Chunlin, a homestay owner in Yuncun, told the Global Times. 

Pan, a former tractor driver in the mining industry, opened his first homestay business in Yucun in 2005, which was also the first of its kind in the village. 
With Pan's success, other villagers have also turned to tourism, opening homestays and organizing fruit picking and canoe tours.

In 2023, Yucun welcomed 1.15 million tourists, realizing a tourism revenue of 55 million yuan ($7.7 million), according to official statistics.

At present, there are more than 100 guesthouses in Yucun. More than 70 percent of villagers are engaged in tourism-related industries, and the per capita annual income has grown from less than 8,000 yuan in 2005 to more than 70,000 yuan in 2023.

Green and beyond

Yucun also actively developed ecological agriculture products. In 2023, the sale of green agricultural products in Yucun exceeded 10 million yuan and were sold throughout the country via e-commerce platforms, domestic news site ceweekly.cn reported. 

At the same time, Yuncun introduced high-tech industries to promote sustainable economic development.

Currently, high-tech industries make up 30 percent of Yucun's economy, according to media report.

"We have been exploring the improvement and upgrading of bee species and bee breeding machines, in order to improve the quality of honey," a manager of a Yucun-based bee industry company told the Global Times.

Beautiful China on the way

"We will ramp up the green transition in all areas of economic and social development and improve the environmental governance system. We will prioritize ecological protection, conserve resources and use them efficiently, and pursue green and low-carbon development, with a view to promoting harmony between humanity and nature," read the resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held in July. 

China has been committed to green and low-carbon development, which acts as a fundamental solution to ecological and environmental problems. The country has made remarkable achievements in ecological conservation and has taken major steps to build a beautiful China.

Over the past decade, China has achieved some historic breakthroughs in the development of green and low-carbon energy and has been moving toward building a clean, diversified, secure and resilient energy supply system, according to a white paper entitled "China's Energy Transition" released on Thursday.

Throughout the comprehensive green transformation, new growth drivers and advantages have been developed and strengthened, fueling China's ongoing high-quality development.

Warships of the Chinese and Singaporean navies have launched the harbor phase of a joint exercise ahead of the sea phase off the southern Chinese coast, a move experts said on Sunday displays how China and Southeast Asian countries can have military cooperation that contributes to peace and stability.

After the frigate Sanya and the minesweeper Hejian of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy as well as the frigate RSS Stalwart of the Singaporean navy assembled at a naval port in Zhanjiang, South China’s Guangdong Province on Thursday for the China-Singapore Exercise Cooperation 2024 joint maritime exercise scheduled from Friday to September 5, these vessels, together with the PLA Navy’s destroyer Zhanjiang, opened to the public as a part of the harbor phase of the exercise on Saturday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday.

The harbor phase will last until Tuesday, after which the participating vessels will embark on the sea phase in waters off Zhanjiang, CCTV reported.

The exercise aims to consolidate a mechanism that sees the two navies host joint drills alternately in their countries every year, expand the drills’ the scale and influence, and build a good situation for China’s military cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia, the PLA Navy said in a press release.

The two sides will organize training courses including joint anti-surface strike, replenishment-at-sea, joint search and rescue, as well as VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson at China’s Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular press conference on Thursday. He noted that as it is the third edition of this exercise, this year’s drill will further enhance mutual trust and friendship, and promote pragmatic exchanges and cooperation.

A Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday that the frigates and the minesweeper sent by the two sides could serve to maintain the openness of key international shipping lanes in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, demonstrating the two navies’ capabilities in safeguarding peace and stability in the region.

It will set a good example for military exchanges and cooperation among Southeast Asian countries, especially the Philippines, against the background of tensions in the South China Sea, the expert said.

The Paris 2024 Olympics has embraced contemporary trends by featuring a growing number of niche and emerging sports, thus infusing the Games with youthful energy. As the Paris Olympics comes to a close, the popularity of outdoor sports such as BMX, mountaineering, bouldering, and kayaking continues to rise.
According to data from Meituan, a tech-driven retail company in China, the overall search volume for "outdoor sports" has surged nearly threefold compared to last year. Since July, searches for "bouldering" have increased by 62 percent, and group-buying orders have risen by 104 percent, with consumers aged 20 to 35 becoming the primary drivers of this growth.

Yang Gen, a government official from Chongqing's Development and Reform Commission, told the Global Times that this enthusiasm is reflected in consumer spending and the development of the entire sports industrial chain.

The National Development and Reform Commission and other departments in China recently issued measures to "create new consumption scenarios and cultivate new growth points." These measures include advancing the construction of sports parks and community fitness centers, developing high-quality outdoor sports destinations, and guiding and expanding sports leisure consumption.

Blending elements

New and engaging activities with low entry barriers and strong social elements are attracting many young people.

Data from DianPing, a platform focusing on consumer lifestyles in China, reveals that this summer, at least 400 million instances of participation in outdoor sports have been recorded in China, showing a notable trend toward broader participation and lightweight activities.

At the Paris Olympics, Chinese freestyle BMX rider Deng Yawen won the gold medal in her sport's debut. This victory has generated significant interest among the younger generation in BMX, a sport known for its visual appeal and fashion elements.

A customer service representative from a BMX club in South China's Guangdong recently shared that their summer enrollment has been excellent, with courses filling up within two weeks of opening. The club is expanding their biking park with new tracks.

"Outdoor sports blend various elements of sports, leisure, entertainment, ecology, and culture, effectively meeting the diverse needs for slow living, experiential, and personalized activities," Yang noted.

The new measures also include encouraging the organization of rural sports with agricultural themes and promoting activities such as "sports events in scenic areas, street districts, and business circles," "event-oriented travel," and "vibrant outdoor sports" to boost consumption.

"In response to national calls, we continue to offer international marathon events to provide diverse and personalized experiences. This marathon will be one of many upcoming outdoor projects aimed at bringing health and joy to the public," Zhi Luxun, General Manager of China International Trade Center, the initiator of Beijing International Marathon events, told the Global Times.

Surfing's inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and its continued presence in Paris 2024 highlight the Olympics' support for emerging sports, significantly boosting surfing's global visibility and interest.

In many coastal cities, tourists have embraced new marine activities, grabbing surfboards and hitting the waves, transitioning from merely "watching the sea" to "playing in the sea" and enjoying the unique charm of this sport.

"The leisure and social attributes of outdoor sports greatly enhance their popularity. From the data, outdoor sports will exhibit trends of diversification and personalization in the coming years," Yang said.
Supporting facilities

Camping is a major highlight in outdoor sports. Some regions are enhancing camping base facilities and offering a variety of outdoor sports activities, including mountaineering, hiking, racing, and equestrian sports around the campsites, to improve the consumer experience.

According to Meituan and DianPing, the transaction volume for leisure camping-related categories on their platforms has increased nearly threefold, with keywords like "camping base" and "outdoor camping barbecue" becoming popular.

In the Tengger Desert of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, thousands of tents are scattered across the sand, within well-planned and fully equipped desert campsites. These sites offer various activities such as desert off-roading and sandboarding, and young people can relax and enjoy stargazing with friends after their adventures.

"When engaging in outdoor activities, it is better to avoid exercising during the hottest hours of the day, as UV rays are particularly strong at this time and can cause skin burns and even retinal damage," Luo Chaofan, a rehabilitation therapist at the National Health Commission told the Global Times.

Luo reminded that due to high summer temperatures, outdoor exercise causes the body to lose water very fast, thus it is usually recommended to replenish electrolytes and sugar with some sports drinks before and during exercise. "Sudden and extreme weather is prone to occur in these months. When you are outdoors, once the weather changes suddenly, you should stay away from ravines and steep slopes as soon as possible and go to open areas to prevent uncontrollable risks such as thunder, landslides, and falling rocks," Luo added.

Once a niche pursuit, marathons now have a vast and enthusiastic following, uniting amateur and elite athletes in a celebration of endurance and community. In 2024, the Chinese marathon scene has been making headlines with record-breaking performances and a growing wave of participation. From the energetic streets of the nation's capital city Beijing to the scenic canals of Changzhou in East China's Jiangsu Province, these races are positioning China as a burgeoning hub for one of the world's most challenging yet fulfilling sports.

This year, He Jie completed the Wuxi Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 57 seconds, setting a new national record. Wu Xiangdong achieved a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 34 seconds in the Paris Olympic marathon, marking the best performance by a Chinese male athlete in an Olympic marathon. 

In recent years, mass sports in China have developed rapidly, with fitness for all becoming a national strategy. Policies such as the "Healthy China 2030" blueprint have been introduced. As one of many popular fitness activities, marathons have garnered widespread enthusiasm from the public.

According to the 2023 Blue Book of China Road Running Events released by the Chinese Athletics Association on March 22, a total of 699 road running events were held nationwide in 2023, with over 6 million participants. Over 2.5 million people nationwide have now completed either a half or full marathon. 

Unlike many other sports, marathons hosted in different cities across China offer a unique experience where amateurs and professionals can compete side by side. The growing popularity of marathons provides exciting new opportunities for Chinese athletes and cities alike. Marathons breathe new life into cities by promoting tourism and boosting local economies. 

These events have become powerful tools for city branding and promotion, often integrating local landmarks and culture into their routes. For example, in a marathon held this year in Changzhou, the course incorporated ancient and modern attractions, as well as the history and culture of the Grand Canal. In addition to city marathons, some Chinese cities are actively bidding to host international marathon events. 

The future of Chinese marathons lies in fostering inclusivity, maintaining high standards for public events, and continuing to integrate the sport with the unique character of each city. 

With this momentum, China is poised to become a rising star in the marathon world, inspiring millions to lace up their shoes and run toward a healthier, more active future.

Chinese mainland Olympians who have accomplished historic sporting achievements at the Paris Olympic Games are set to visit Hong Kong and Macao Thursday through Monday, allowing local residents to share in the honor and joy while inspiring national pride and patriotism.

A total of 65 Chinese Olympians, including 59 gold medalists from the Paris Games, will take part in a series of exchange activities and demonstrate their skills to the public, according to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government. 

The Chinese national team finished second in the overall medal table with 40 golds, 27 silvers and 24 bronzes, achieving its best ever results at an overseas Olympics. Swimmer Pan Zhanle, who won two golds in Paris and broke the world record in the men's 100m freestyle, said that the visit is a great opportunity for exchanges. 

It's been a tradition for the mainland delegation to visit Hong Kong and ­Macao after an Olympic Games. The delegation's first visit to Hong Kong dates back to the Seoul 1988 Olympics.

The visits foster a sense of national pride and unity, reinforcing the bonds between the mainland and its special administrative regions, Liu Yu, a Beijing-based sports commentator, told the Global Times. 

It provides an opportunity for residents of Hong Kong and Macao to celebrate and share in the success of the athletes, enhancing local enthusiasm for sports and national pride. It also allows athletes to engage with the public directly, fostering a sense of connection and community, Liu noted. 

The delegation, which includes table tennis legend Ma Long and diving star Quan Hongchan, will attend a gala show, visit the Hong Kong Sports Institute and give sports demonstrations at Queen Elizabeth Stadium and the Victoria Park Swimming Pool. Over 5,000 tickets for the public events sold out in about half an hour last week. 

A survey revealed that over 80 percent of Hong Kong residents feel proud of the performance of both the mainland and the Hong Kong delegations in Paris.

US technology company International Business Machines Corp (IBM) reportedly cut off intranet access for Chinese employees in research and development (R&D) and testing positions without prior notice, news media outlet jiemian.com reported on Saturday citing sources. 

A lab technician confirmed that the employees were working regular hours with no warning or "signals" before the access was shut down, and at the time a number of technological staff workers were still working overtime.

The Chinese employees have been removed from product groups on communication software and cannot log into the company intranet via VPN, though email remains accessible, according to the jiemian.com report.

The Global Times sought a comment from IBM China, but received no reply as of press time.

During an AI-themed forum held by IBM on Thursday in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, Hans Dekkers, general manager of IBM Asia Pacific region, said that the company has been operating in the Chinese market for four decades, where it has built up valuable experience, talent, and trust. An article on IBM's official website stated the company's commitment to further exploring opportunities in China as it moves into the AI era.

Chen Xudong, chairman and general manager of IBM Great China Group, said at the forum that they would continue to focus on tapping into key major clients, breaking into new markets, and expanding channels in China to help Chinese firms bridge the generative AI process from experimentation to large-scale application.

According to IBM's earnings report for the second quarter 2024, its business revenue hit $15.8 billion during the period with a year-on-year increase of 2 percent. Software revenue rose by 7 percent, while consulting revenue fell by 1 percent. 

China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Friday disclosed a case involving overseas intelligence agencies attempting to recruit Chinese youths, and the authorities reminded the public to be vigilant of individuals who may be disguised as “kind-hearted” persons around teenagers.

These individuals from overseas intelligence agencies often disguise themselves as "enthusiastic,” or "considerate” around teenagers, subtly influencing teenager targets, attempting to achieve their own purposes and steal state secrets, endangering national security, said the MSS.

In the case disclosed by the MSS, Xiaowei was an orphan from the mountains in the south of China, who performed well in both academics and character. “Teacher L” appeared after Xiaowei achieved the highest score in the county and entered the best high school in the area, offering to sponsor him.

The so-called teacher promised to provide Xiaowei with financial support until he graduates from university. 

Despite moving abroad, the so-called teacher would occasionally call Xiaowei and ask him to take part in the public servant exams and assign him tasks such as field surveys and social information gathering for extra pay. Xiaowei saw it as an opportunity to earn money while studying and continued to complete the tasks as requested, according to the ministry.

After graduating from university, Xiaowei passed the public servant exams and got his job. He shared the good news with “Teacher L,” who started asking for sensitive information under the guise of research and report writing. 

Xiaowei initially provided some public data out of gratitude. But “Teacher L” requested more sensitive information, including classified documents, Xiaowei became suspicious and refused the request. Eventually Xiaowei decided to report “Teacher L” to the national security authorities.

After investigation, "Teacher L" was found to be an overseas spy who targeted talented individuals from poor backgrounds like Xiaowei, encouraging them to pursue careers in government agencies, research institutes, or the military to gather sensitive information and engage in espionage activities detrimental to national security, according to the ministry.

China’s Counter-Espionage Law stipulates that all citizens and organizations discovering acts of espionage shall promptly report them to the state security organs. 

While Chinese couriers rush to deliver the packages after the June 18 mid-year shopping festival, one from Beijing has also set his sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Luan Yushuai is one of the Chinese runners who have qualified for the Mass Participation Marathon, a first in Olympic history, which allows the public to run in two races on the same course as the Olympic marathon.

"For an ordinary person to participate in the Olympics, it is something unimaginable. I feel that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, so I will definitely prepare well and strive to achieve my best in Paris," Luan told the Global Times during a recent interview.

A total of 40,048 runners from around the world will participate in the two historic races.

The first covers the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers while the other is a 10-kilometer run.

Each will feature 20,024 participants. Both will be gender-equal races, with the same number of berths allocated to women as to men.

The lucky draw

With over 800,000 people worldwide reportedly eyeing a spot for the race, winning a berth is no easy task.

According to the scoring system released by the organizing committee, eligible applicants needed to accumulate 100,000 points by the end of 2023 to be able to participate in a draw that would award berths to the lucky few. Entrants are required to take part in running, walking, or cycling to earn the points.

Although the 39-year-old felt the odds were slim, he still wanted to give it his all. After registering, he trained hard while amassing the requisite points.

The Mass Participation event, which will take place on August 10, will depart from the Hôtel de Ville in central Paris, taking runners through the city's iconic landmarks and monuments to Versailles, before returning to the capital and crossing the finish line on the Esplanade des Invalides. The route alternates between urban landscapes, parks, and woodland.

Recalling the moment when he was selected, Luan said that it was on New Year's Eve 2023 when he had brought his parents from their hometown to Beijing for a family reunion dinner.

"Suddenly, I received an English message on my phone. I quickly translated it online and found my name on it, saying 'Congratulations, you have won the lucky draw.' I was so excited that I shouted out loud," he said.
A fast runner

Being a versatile young man, marathon amateur Luan had tried several different professions like a waitering and a construction worker before finally landing on his current career as a deliveryman. This profession became a deciding factor in Luan's marathon career.

He told the Global Times that at the very beginning of his career in 2015, he was given tasks to deliver parcels for people who live in old residential areas. In Beijing, old communities are often not equipped with ­elevators, so, climbing stairs has become Luan's daily routine.

"I run fast and I am hardworking. I was one of the swiftest kids when I was at school, and now I am one of the swiftest deliverymen," Luan remarked. He also said that he can deliver 10 more parcels than other staffers daily, and once he delivered a record 600 parcels per day.

The young man's diligence and talent were soon discovered by his company, which later selected him as a representative to participate in the 2017 Beijing Marathon.

Although he finished the whole competition repertoire with an average record of over 4 hours, his running ­experience was like a seed ­being planted in his heart. He said that despite the failure, the marathon itself has given him the confidence.

"I have never run a marathon before, so my first experience was extremely exhausting and ­uncomfortable. But I gritted my teeth and ­persevered to the finish line," Luan noted.

A shared inspiration

Luan's 2017 experience ignited his aspiration for marathon running. He said that to date, he has participated in many marathons. His personal best was accomplished at the 2020 ­Nanjing Marathon, where he finished the race in 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 55 seconds. It has never been an easy journey for Luan to improve his best time from 4 hours to 2 hours.

His self-­training schedule has been strict. In the daytime, he discharges his duties as a deliveryman and he can only pursue his marathon passion after work. He usually runs about 400 kilometers per month and normally takes one day off every week. Maintaining such a training course was "difficult," he said.

Some of his colleagues even said he was "foolish," yet those words never dampened Luan's passion for the sport. In order to boost the strength of his muscles, Luan tied sandbags to both of his legs for two years.

His marathon story is now a source of inspiration to the public. He said that the marathon has made him feel powerful, especially after his stories were shared with school children.

"I was quite shocked, because I never imagined my stories could bring such positive energy to others. The fact that many people were motivated by me has touched me too. I will keep running to inspire more people," Luan said.

"In fact, it's not so much about how fast I can run, but rather that I stand on the Olympic marathon track as a Chinese courier," he said.

Chinese table tennis stars Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha captured the mixed doubles gold medal on Tuesday, defeating North Korea's Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong 4-2 in a thrilling final.

This victory marks the sixth gold medal for China at the Paris 2024 Olympics and restores the pride of the Chinese table tennis team, known as the Dream Team.

The Chinese team was one mixed doubles gold medal short of a clean sweep at the Tokyo Olympics. Wang and Sun's win sets the stage for a possible golden sweep in Paris.

The much-anticipated event attracted several dignitaries, including International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Sun emphasized the importance of the mixed doubles gold, stating it was even more significant than the singles events.

To prepare, Sun sought help from Ni Xialian, a 61-year-old former Chinese player now representing Luxembourg. Ni's playing style is similar to Kim's, making her an ideal training partner.

The North Korean pair had rarely competed in international tournaments until the Paris Olympics.

As the lowest-ranked 16th seed among the mixed doubles pairs, Ri and Kim's journey to the final was remarkable.

They earned their Paris spot through the Olympic qualifiers and were dubbed the "mysterious team" due to their limited exposure in international competitions.

The North Korean pair's surprise elimination of Japan's second-seeded duo, Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata, in the first round exemplified their unpredictable nature.

An unexpected incident after the final means Wang has to pick up a new paddle in the singles matches, after overenthusiastic photographers broke his winning racket when capturing the duo's celebrations.

"The photographer broke the racket... such behavior probably shouldn't have happened," Wang told reporters.

"I felt a bit out of control in that situation and couldn't understand why it happened. But it did, and there's nothing we can do about it... and I can still play with my spare racket."

Among the five table tennis disciplines, the mixed doubles has been the most unpredictable for Team China in terms of results.

At the Tokyo Olympics, China missed out on the mixed doubles gold when Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen were defeated by Japan's Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito, leaving the Chinese team one gold short of a complete sweep.

"Securing the mixed doubles gold has not only started the table tennis team's Olympic campaign on a high note, but also relieved the immense pressure on the athletes and coaches," Mao Jiale, a Chengdu-based sports commentator, told the Global Times.

"With the mixed doubles title in hand, the national team can now approach the upcoming singles and doubles events with solid confidence and focus on achieving their goal of winning five gold medals in Paris."

Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympic final, unfortunately had to leave Paris because she did not meet the weight requirements for the competition. Many Chinese netizens have expressed sympathy for her situation.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Wednesday filed a strong protest with United World Wrestling (UWW) regarding the disqualification of Phogat from the 50kg final at the Paris Olympics due to being "overweight," Xinhua News Agency reported.

Vinesh Phogat is the niece of Mahavir Singh Phogat, the real-life figure portrayed in the popular Indian film Dangal, which was widely acclaimed in China.

Dangal is based on the true story of Mahavir Phogat, a renowned wrestler who trained his two daughters to become wrestling champions. The film moved countless audiences in China.

Mahavir Phogat, known as the "Father of Indian Women's Wrestling," is the father of famous wrestlers Babita and Geeta Phogat.

Vinesh Phogat, also trained by Mahavir, has achieved remarkable success in international wrestling, including winning medals at the Commonwealth Games.

However, Vinesh faced issues with the weight check before Wednesday's match. Despite the efforts of her coach, who worked through the night to help her shed weight - including cutting her hair - she still weighed 110 grams over the limit and was disqualified from the final.

If Vinesh had claimed an injury before the morning weigh-in, she might have been awarded a silver medal without having to weigh in. Her failure to make weight meant she ended up with nothing.

Her coach stated on social media that she usually weighs 57 kg, but before the semifinals yesterday, she weighed only 49.9 kg. After eating, her weight increased to 52.7 kg. Despite their best efforts - skipping sleep, not drinking water, and even cutting her hair - they were unable to make the required weight.

Upon hearing the news, Chinese netizens left comments on various social media platforms.

A netizen with the username SportsDreamer said, "Vinesh put in tremendous effort for this competition, and the weight issue is truly unfortunate. Regardless, her spirit and perseverance are admirable."

A netizen named Zhang Jiawei commented, "Dangal is my favorite movie, and it has always inspired me. Vinesh's story is equally uplifting. I hope she can make it back to the Olympic stage."