Badminton star Shi Yuqi. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Nine athletes and three coaches from Nantong have been named to the Chinese delegation for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, according to the city's sports bureau.

The Games are scheduled to run from Sept 19 to Oct 4. The Nantong contingent will compete across seven disciplines: badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, beach volleyball, swimming, athletics and trampoline.

The athlete lineup features a mix of established stars and rising talent. Badminton star Shi Yuqi, a leading figure in Chinese men's singles, returns to the Asian Games roster, bringing both experience and a well-rounded game to the medal chase. Gymnast Sun Wei has been in strong form and is expected to contribute in both team and individual events.

In team sports, volleyball players Wu Mengjie and Guo Zhongnan have earned spots on the final 12-woman roster for the Chinese women's volleyball team. In beach volleyball, Yan Xu and Wu Jiaxin will represent China. Other Nantong-trained athletes include trampolinist Qiu Zheng, swimmer Zhao Jiayue, and sprinter Huang Youwen.

Beyond the athletes, three Nantong-born coaches have been selected to the delegation's support staff. Olympic diving champion Chen Ruolin, a five-time gold medalist, will serve as a coach for the diving team. Gymnastics world champion Lu Bin will coach the gymnastics squad, with a focus on developing younger athletes. Veteran coach Tao Jiaming will work with the badminton team's doubles players.

Nantong has long been known as a cradle of world champions, with a deep-rooted tradition of producing elite sporting talent. The 12-member contingent reflects the city's continued strength in athlete development and will carry the hopes of their hometown as they take on Asia's best.