Tokyo Olympics in numbers: Team China ranks second in gold medal tally of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Graphic: Xu Zihe/GT

The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China and the All-China Youth Federation announced on Monday the decision to award two youth groups, the China national women's and men's table tennis teams, the "China Youth May Fourth Medal Collective." A total of 39 young athletes will receive the China Youth May Fourth Medal which is a prestigious mention to celebrate prominent pursuits and accomplishments. 

21-year-old shooter Yang Qian, winner of China's first gold medal of the Games, fourteen-year-old Quan Hongchan, worldwide acclaimed in the 10m platform dive, and 23-year-old gymnast Zou Jingyuan, gold medalist in the men's parallel bars, were shortlisted for this award. The decision sparked heated discussions and congratulations on Chinese social media.

The decision pointed out that during the Tokyo Olympic Games, Chinese athletes had the will to challenge, exquisite skills and noble moral character to win 38 gold medals, 32 silver medals and 18 bronze medals. The Chinese athletes  achieved a double harvest in competition results and ethics, which have greatly stimulated the patriotic passion of all the Chinese people and also injected strong impetus into the united efforts of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the people of all ethnic groups on the new journey to fully build a modern socialist country. 

"In particular, our young athletes are confident,  improved, inclusive and optimistic, and have achieved remarkable results showing the world the good image and vitality of Chinese youth in the new era," the announcement said.

The inclusion of these young Olympic athletes has garnered tremendous support from Chinese netizens.

"In the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer, Team China has created a 'Generation Z cyclone.' These young athletes won glory for their country through hard work and let the world see the best of Chinese young people with their determined smiles," wrote one netizen on Sina Weibo

"China does not have a fallen generation, we young people have always been struggling for self-improvement," another said.

The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China and the All-China Youth Federation called on the youth of China to learn from these outstanding Chinese athletes and their spirit to bravely undertake the mission strive to be first,  and constantly break through self-struggle, and study and work hard to reach brilliant achievements without regret.

Global Times