2023 Hangzhou Asian Games have recently awarded the MVP award and here is all you need to know about the winner
In a dazzling display of swimming prowess, Chinese athletes Zhang Yufei and Qin Haiyang emerged as the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) of the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou in 2023.
Who are the Asian Games China 2023 MVP men and women award winner
The process of selecting the MVPs was rigorous and impartial. A six-member selection committee, chaired by the OCA’s Honorary Life Vice President, Wei Jizhong, closely monitored the performances of athletes representing 45 National Olympic Committees.
The committee considered several criteria, including competition performance, the number of medals won, broken records, sportsmanship, influence on the public, discipline, and fair play.
Zhang Yufei (Swimming, CHN) and Qin Haiyang (Swimming, CHN) are rewarded as the female MVP and male MVP of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou.#Hangzhou #AsianGames #MVP #Swimming #HangzhouAsianGames #AsianGames2023 @AsianGamesOCA pic.twitter.com/jjzk5B6qHo
— 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Official (@19thAGofficial) October 7, 2023
The announcement of Zhang Yufei and Qin Haiyang as the MVPs was made during a press conference at the Main Media Centre, sponsored by Loongair, one of the Prestige Partners of the Hangzhou Asian Games.
This year, the event took a unique approach by presenting separate MVP awards for both men and women, recognizing outstanding achievements in the pool.
Zhang Yufei, often referred to as China’s “Madame Butterfly,” stood tall as the Female MVP, an honor she earned with her remarkable performance throughout the games.
The 25-year-old swimmer showcased her dominance in the water, clinching an impressive six gold medals. These victories included triumphs in the women’s 50m freestyle and a stunning treble in the 50m, 100m, and 200m butterfly events.
Zhang Yufei, she got gold medals more than i have friends in life pic.twitter.com/e2bXit9XQW
— MG🦭 (@monradamn) August 7, 2023
Zhang also contributed to her team’s success with two relay gold medals, solidifying her reputation as a swimming sensation.
Zhang’s stellar performance not only secured her a place in the annals of Asian Games history but also saw her equal Ikee Rikako’s record of six golds, previously achieved at the 2018 Asian Games. Additionally, she set new Asian Games records in one relay and four individual events, showcasing her exceptional skills in the pool.
Reflecting on her achievements, Zhang Yufei expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the award, “It’s a great honor. It was a memorable experience and this is a new milestone for me as an athlete. It will leave a lasting mark in my memory and boost my confidence to work harder for the Paris Olympics.”
On the men’s side, Qin Haiyang, often hailed as the “breaststroke king,” reigned supreme. He was bestowed with the Male MVP award for his exceptional achievements at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Qin’s standout performance included an unprecedented feat: securing gold medals in the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke events. He also contributed to his team’s success with two relay gold medals and clinched a silver in the men’s 200m individual medley.
Qin Haiyang, 24 years old, who earlier in the year had achieved a remarkable hat-trick in the breaststroke events at the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, was humble in his response to receiving the MVP award.
first time ever in asian games history we got double MVP in one edition!! they're 5th and 6th athletes from swimming for the MVP title ✨✨
zhang yufei – 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇
qin haiyang – 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥈 pic.twitter.com/6MqN0v7jf6— zee 🏸🏊 (@zhiyiilyy) October 7, 2023
Loongair Chairman Liu Qihong hailed the two swimmers as true superstars and presented them with platinum cards, offering special privileges when traveling on Loongair, as well as unlimited traveling tickets for one year.
The awards ceremony also saw the OCA Acting President, Raja Randhir Singh, present the MVPs with prize money of USD 25,000 each as a token of appreciation for their exceptional contributions to the Hangzhou Asian Games.