China off to flying start as Cui wins first gold at Asian Para Games

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games got into full swing on Monday as Chinese athletes starred on the opening day.

In para powerlifting, Cui Zhe opened China's gold medal account by winning the women's 41kg title, extending her gold medal winning streak to five consecutive Asian Para Games.

"I'm so happy to win the first gold for China today.

I'm grateful to my country!" she said.

Guo Lingling claimed the women's 45kg crown in spectacular fashion, setting a world record with a 126kg lift.

Guo, who had previously lifted more than 125kg in training, said she came to Nagoya with the goal of breaking the world record and felt calm during the competition.

Earlier on Monday, Chen Liuxun secured China's first medal of the Games, taking bronze in the men's 49kg para powerlifting with a best lift of 161kg.

China's swimmers capped the day with an impressive haul of 14 gold medals, 12 silver and six bronze, breaking several Games records and gaining podium finishes in multiple events.

Chinese athletes also dominated in para fencing, taking all four gold medals on offer and added two golds in para athletics.

They also shone in other sports, winning two gold medals apiece in para cycling and para judo.