Abdughani Turghun of China celebrates after the men's discus throw final at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
HANGZHOU, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Unlike many professional athletes, Abdughani Turghun never publicly expresses his aspiration for victory.
Even his coach once doubted whether Turghun truly yearned for a medal.
However, in the men's discus event of the Hangzhou Asian Games held on Monday, Turghun clinched a bronze with a throw of 61.19m in his Asiad debut.
The discus thrower, hailing from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, assured his coach Nurmamat Turak that he indeed thirsts for triumph, albeit privately.
The 26-year-old, born and raised in Shufu County, south Xinjiang's Kashgar Prefecture, stands at 2.03 meters tall and weighs 116 kilograms, possessing long arms and big hands. With all the physical attributes conducive to discus throwing, he commenced training at the age of 15.
An exceptional discus thrower requires not only strength but also good coordination, flexibility, and spatial awareness. Every day, Turghun hones his physical fitness, coordination, and flexibility, repeatedly hurling the discus.
Abdughani Turghun of China competes during the men's discus throw final. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
After six years of diligent practice, he was selected for the national team. Three years later, Turghun stood atop the podium at the 14th Chinese National Games in September 2021.
In July this year, Turghun secured the men's discus title at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, marking his first victory in international competitions.
Following his bronze medal win at the Asiad on Monday evening, Turghun lingered in the field for an extended period, seemingly reluctant to depart. Draping the national flag around his shoulders, he waved to the audience in a gesture of gratitude.
"I was not excited enough today and didn't perform well," the bronze medalist said in pity.
Turghun acknowledged that his throws lacked stability due to a change in techniques before the Games. His coach Turak also recognized that besides honing his skills, Turghun needs to put on weight to join the ranks of world-leading discus throwers.
"I want to make more people know about this event through my performances," Turghun stated post-competition, articulating his ambition for the Paris Olympics. ■
