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Taiwan's Top Gymnasts Miss Out on Asian Games Medals

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By TaiwanPlus

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Taiwan’s gymnastics star Lee Chih-kai was aiming for his third straight gold medal in the Asian Games pommel horse, but he fell short, taking fifth place in the event. But Taiwan’s medal hopes in men's gymnastics are not over yet, with teammate Tang Chia-hung preparing for his signature event, the horizontal bar, on Friday.

2026 Asian Games: Taiwan’s Top Gymnast Falls Short of Podium

REPORTER:  
Taiwan’s top gymnast Lee Chih-kai came into the 2026 Asia Games as a two-time champion in pommel horse, but on Thursday he failed to defend his title.

Lee Chih-kai (GYMNAST):  
My score has always hovered around 14.4.  
The podium felt so close  
yet so far away  
almost like a dream.  
I wasn’t able to fulfill my dream of winning a third straight title.  
All I can do is keep working hard for next time.

REPORTER:  
Lee finished fifth in the event, while Uzbekistan’s Utkirbe Juraev claimed the top spot. Lee said he was hampered by injuries and rule changes, which limited the use of his strongest move, the Thomas flair. Lee’s teammate Tang Chia-hung meanwhile finished sixth in the men’s rings final with a score of 13.6. He will now turn his full attention to the men’s horizontal bar.

Tang Chia-hung (GYMNAST):  
I want to show the audience, and the world  
that I’m an all-around athlete  
who can deliver quality performances.  
I haven’t set any specific goals  
or put a limit on what I can achieve.

REPORTER:  
Tang will compete again on Friday, while Lee is now setting his sights on next month’s gymnastic World Championships in the Netherlands.