Xu Jiayu wins second swimming gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

China's Xu Jiayu celebrates after winning the final of the men's 50m backstroke swimming event during the 2026 Asian Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Tokyo on September 21, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

China's Xu Jiayu successfully defended his title in the men's 50 meters backstroke at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Monday, claiming his second gold medal with a new Games record after winning the men's 100m backstroke title the previous day.

Xu, also the Asian record holder, touched home first in 24.04 seconds, setting a new Asian Games record. Teammate Wang Zicheng bagged silver in 24.49 and South Korea's Yoon Ji-hwan claimed bronze in 24.54.