Former recurve stars Zhang Xinyan and Ding Yiliang chase compound glory in Nanjing
Nanjing is the climax of this year’s Archery World Cup – and the first time this season we’ve seen Chinese compound archers on the international premier circuit.
Zhang Xinyan (front row, left) and Ding Yiliang (back row, left) did not compete in Central Florida, Shanghai, Antalya or Madrid – and neither did any of their compound compatriots. Yet they now find themselves in the 2025 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final representing China, as the host nation automatically selects one athlete per event.
In compound circles, Zhang and Ding are largely unknown. But in recurve, both have a history at the very top of the sport. They shot internationally for China and only recently switched disciplines.
Extremely recently.
“Having trained in compound archery for just over three months, there's still much room for improvement,” said Ding, ’s-Hertogenbosch 2019 Hyundai World Archery Championships recurve men’s team gold medallist. “I'm determined to give it my all throughout the process. Regardless of the outcome, I'll keep striving toward my goal.”
That goal is the LA28 Olympic Games, following the April announcement that mixed team will be included in the Olympic programme. It was also what prompted Zhang to switch.
“The sudden outbreak of the pandemic disrupted the Tokyo cycle of international competitions, so I did not participate in subsequent events,” she said. “The inclusion of compound archery in the Olympics presented an opportunity, and I also wanted to try a different bow type – launching a new challenge for myself.”
The 30-year-old Zhang’s career peaked at an astonishing high: she won individual gold at the 2018 Asian Games – one of just three non-Korean winners of the competition since 1978.
Both athletes had to go through an arduous selection process to represent China – a country of over one billion people. Yet the effectiveness of Zhang and Ding’s transition will be tested on the stage in the plaza next to Nanjing Olympic Museum, where Zhang faces Ella Gibson and Ding meets Mike Schloesser in the first round.
Watching their formidable international opponents has been a major part of their training.
“Initially, I learned through observing international competitions live and via video recordings, later complemented by coaching guidance and specialised physical training,” said Zhang, reflecting on the technical adjustments she has had to make.
“Altering my established reflex bow muscle-power habits proved a lengthy process, requiring continuous adaptation to new technical demands through accumulating arrow counts and meticulous study of techniques.”
“By watching international competition videos and incorporating coaching guidance, I increased my arrow-drawing practice and intensified specialised physical conditioning training,” echoed Ding.
For the pair, an already huge occasion is made even more compelling by the story of idols becoming rivals.
If competing in a major world event isn’t enough, neither athlete made China’s team for the Gwangju 2025 Hyundai World Archery Championships – two younger archers, Wang Jiuyi and Li Mingxing, represented the nation’s compound interests there.
Compound presents a second chance for these former star recurve archers. Causing an upset against any competitor in Nanjing would put them firmly on the road to LA.
“It will definitely feel different [from recurve],” said Zhang. “I love the atmosphere of the finals and am really looking forward to the competition.”
“I believe enjoying the process is what matters most,” she concluded.
