Li Yuehong wins first gold for Shandong at 15th National Games

Jinan shooter Li Yuehong led Shandong team to victory in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol team event at China's 15th National Games, earning the province its first gold medal in the competition.

The National Games, taking place in Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macao, feature 34 sports categories and bring together top athletes from across the country.

In the qualification round, Li, together with his teammates Ni Zhixin and Liu Shuai, ranked first, advancing to the gold-medal match against the Shaanxi team. In a tense final, they defeated their opponents 10-8 to clinch the championship.

Li began his shooting career at Jinan Sports School in 2003, where he received systematic training. He joined the national team in 2009 and has since made three Olympic appearances, winning bronze medals at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he clinched the gold medal in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol event.