Chen Yu-ju wins Asian Games bronze as sports administration provides support

At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Chinese Taipei secured a bronze medal in the women’s 25-meter pistol team event, marking a significant milestone for debutant Chen Yu-ju. While the athlete admitted feeling dissatisfied with her individual execution on the shooting range, the event highlighted an extensive behind-the-scenes logistical operation put in place by the newly established Sports Administration to support athletes spread across decentralized venues.

Logistical Support Across Decentralized Venues

Because the Asian Games lacked a centralized athletes’ village, competitors were housed across various hotels, cruise ships, and alternative accommodations throughout the region. To counter the logistical strain of decentralized venues, Sports Administrator Li Yang conducted a site visit to Japan in April 2026 to establish operational infrastructure ahead of the competitions. The Sports Administration subsequently set up two dedicated support hubs in Nagoya and Toyohashi, alongside a satellite station in Tokyo.

The Nagoya and Toyohashi hubs operated with a combined staff of 42 personnel, delivering medical, athletic training, physical therapy, sports science, nutritional, and dietary services. Before departing for Japan, athletes attended multiple briefing sessions and received comprehensive handbooks detailing support locations and available resources.

Overcoming Long Transit Times to the Shooting Range

For the shooting team stationed at the Aichi Shooting Range, the distance to competition sites presented a major hurdle. Chen Yu-ju described the venue as exceptionally distant, requiring a minimum transit time of an hour and a half each way between her hotel and the shooting range.

Despite the lengthy commute, the support team maintained high standards for daily provisions. While official venue meal options were frequently served cold or iced, logistics personnel made daily dedicated trips to deliver hot meals directly to the shooting range.

When the organizing committee provided cold or even iced bento boxes, we still had personnel specifically delivering food to the shooting range every day, and it was still hot, Chen Yu-ju said.

Athlete Reflections and Team Support

Reflecting on her performance, Chen Yu-ju acknowledged that her execution fell short of her personal expectations, noting that she felt somewhat conflicted about her scores. She credited her teammates and family members—who traveled to the venue to cheer her on—with keeping her focused. Following the conclusion of her event, she was surprised to discover that Sports Administrator Li Yang had traveled to the shooting range in person to observe the competition.

The persistent efforts of the delegation's support staff left a lasting impression on the first-time Asian Games competitor, who managed various logistical hurdles throughout the event.

It felt a bit like being caught by my own country again, Chen Yu-ju said, expressing gratitude toward the Sports Administration, the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, the National Sports Training Center, and all logistical personnel for ensuring athletes could complete their events with peace of mind.