Liu Dewen returns after 8 years to win Asian Games gold medal in Wushu

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China's Liu Dewen returned to international Wushu competition after an eight-year absence to win the men's Taijiquan and Taijijian all-around gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Speaking to CGTN Sports Scene's Shen Xiang after his victory, Liu reflected on his comeback from a difficult period in his career, before revealing his ambitions for the future.

Liu was the first athlete to compete in the Taijiquan round, in which he received 9.780 points. He then lined up last in the Taijijian round, earning an additional 9.780, to finish with a combined total of 19.560 points and the gold medal.

The victory marked Liu's first international competition since the 2018 World Taijiquan Championships. His career reached a nadir the following year, when he struggled to reach finals at domestic events, but he devoted himself to studying and practicing Taijiquan while working his way back into contention.

Liu said the pressure of competing last in Taijijian was eased through communication with his coach, allowing him to remain calm when it was time to step on to the floor.

The Chinese martial artist dedicated the gold medal to his mother, a former long-distance runner. Looking further ahead, Liu has set his sights on next year's World Championships and the following year's World Cup, as he pursues a Grand Slam.