At this year’s Olympic Games, Taiwan’s boxing team will be represented by six qualifiers, including Kan Chia-wei (甘家葳) who is of Indigenous descent. Kan rose to prominence not only because of his remarkable journey at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year but also because of his underdog story.
Facing his first Olympic Games, Kan thanked God for his guidance, dedicating his efforts to his late mother. He emphasized that his faith and perseverance have shaped his journey, noting that it's not because he has hope that he perseveres, but because he perseveres, that he has hope. He aims to add another medal to Taiwan’s tally while competing in Paris.
Despite being a top boxer during his high school years, Kan originally contemplated quitting boxing due to his lackluster performances in international matches. At the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, Kan only made it as an alternate boxer on the roster and faced several personal challenges, including the passing of his mother a month before the games. Kan took a week off for bereavement leave.
Despite these setbacks, Kan advanced to the gold medal match at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Unfortunately, a severe eye injury sidelined him from competing in the final bout, resulting in him receiving the silver medal. This achievement nonetheless secured his qualification for the Paris Olympics and clinched Taiwan's first Asian Games medal in 53 years.