Tearful Gong returns from horror injury to win gold

Even while standing atop the podium at the 2025 Chengdu World Games, Chinese karate champion Gong Li still felt chills down her spine when recalling her career-threatening injury.

The 26-year-old defeated her Japanese rival Sarara Shimada 5-1 in the women's kumite — 61kg final on Saturday, securing China's first ever World Games gold medal in the sport.

During the 20th Asian Senior Karate Championship last September, Gong suffered a devastating injury — a torn ACL, meniscus, and MCL, and had to receive two surgeries.

"I was on the verge of breaking down," she recalled. "Many athletes never fully recover from such injuries. Some even have to retire."

It was her love for karate and an unshakable belief in herself that brought her back to the arena she has always longed for and loved, Gong said.

"I kept telling myself that injuries weren't obstacles on my path, but rather medals witnessing my achievements," she said.

To compete at the World Games on home soil, Gong pushed through an arduous eight-month rehabilitation after surgery.

"The pain was almost unbearable in the early stage of rehabilitation," she said.

"During rehabilitation training, I realized my skills, physical conditioning and muscle strength had significantly deteriorated," Gong said, adding that she endured immense mental pressure, having no idea if she could ever return to her peak form.

But Gong refused to give up. "I've created miracles time and again, and I believe this time will be no exception," she said.

Before the competition, Gong admitted that she hadn't fully recovered physically, estimating her condition at about 80 percent of her peak.

She wrote on her Weibo account: "I've always believed that karate is a sport that demands courage — not just to fight bravely in competitions, but also to fearlessly rise again after setbacks and injuries."

Gong said the latest victory carries immense meaning, not just because it marks her first victory after her horror injury, but also it makes up for the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.

On Aug 7, 2021, she claimed a bronze medal in karate's Olympic debut.

"Back then, I was too focused on winning and didn't perform my best," she admitted.

The comeback journey has given Gong fresh insights into karate. With comprehensive improvements in punches, kicks and throws, she now competes with greater composure and determination.

"I've learned to enjoy the process and trust my training," Gong said.

She credits her training partners — the unsung heroes who sparred with her through every setback — for helping her reclaim glory.

"They sacrificed so much for me," she said. "This gold medal belongs to them too."

Except for the unrepeatable Tokyo Olympics, Gong has collected gold medals in karate at every level in China, Asia and the world.

Looking ahead, she has set her sights on China's 15th National Games in November and the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.

Beyond the competitions, Gong is dedicated to promoting karate among China's youth.

"Karate, which originated in China and has flourished worldwide, embodies the traditional spirit of sportsmanship," Gong said. "Unlike other combat sports, which are focused on knockouts, it emphasizes controlled strikes that protect one's opponent, which makes it an ideal sport for children," she added.