Strengths challenged

Boasting a deep talent pool and advanced training expertise, Chinese athletes have long been dominant in six Olympic events - diving, table tennis, badminton, weightlifting, shooting and gymnastics.

However, the gap has narrowed between China and its competitors, including the US and Japan.

China's once invincible diving "dream team" slipped to silver in the women's 10m platform at the 2015 FINA championships, raising concerns about its prospects in Rio.

The country's once all-conquering badminton teams also face tough challenges, especially the women, after failing to win the singles title at last year's world championships. The attempts of men's star Lin Dan to restore momentum for a record third successive Olympic gold medal will attract worldwide attention.

After the retirements of several key athletes from the four-gold-winning London lineup, China's young gymnastics team will face challenges from mature Japanese and US squads.

Still, team leader Ye Zhennan remains positive that China could potentially win gold in five disciplines, including the men's team all-around, the rings and the women's uneven bars.

"Our young team is low-profile in publicity but remains strong in tackling difficult routines. We are confident of outperforming Japan and the US in our strength events," Ye said.

After claiming all five gold medals on offer at the International Table Tennis Federation's 2015 World Championships in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China's table tennis team appears unbeatable, while the shooting and weightlifting squads still have to test their skills and composure during advanced training camps.

Contact the writer at sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn