By Nick Butler at the Nanjing International Expo Centre

Chinese weightlfiter Huihua Jiang dominated the women's under 48 kilogram event to win the first gold medal of the Asian Youth Games in NanjingAugust 17 - China's diminutive weightlifter Huihua Jiang dominated the women's under 48 kilogram division to win the first gold medal of the Asian Youth Games here on the first day of widespread competition after last night's Opening Ceremony.

Competing in front of the head of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad Al-Sabah as well as passionate home support, Jiang led the competition after the snatch before lifting a stunning 100kg - more than twice her bodyweight - in the clean and jerk.

The 16-year-old defied her small stature to finish comfortably clear of runner-up Thunya Sukcharoen of Thailand and fellow Chinese lifter and bronze medalist Lingling Yao.

In a arena predominantly filled with home supporters, but also containing a particularly vibrant section from Thailand, Jiang was cheered every time she took to the floor and especially when she completed a final lift which none of her 12 rivals even attempted.

"I am delighted and amazed to win the first gold medal of the Asian Youth Games," she told insidethegames,.

"I was always confident that I would be good enough to win."

The first winner of the Asian Youth Games, China's Huihua Jiang, about to be presented with her gold medal by Sheikh Ahmad, President of the Olympic Council of AsiaThe first winner of the Asian Youth Games, China's Huihua Jiang, about to be presented with her gold medal by Sheikh Ahmad, President of the Olympic Council of Asia

Over ten days it is hard to see beyond China at the top of the medals table and they duly won another gold medal in weighlifting courtesy of Ji Feiyong in the men's under 56kg discipline as well as a diving victory for Zhiqun Zheng.

However after a superb day North Korea matched the host nation by also winning three events across all three of the sports in which medals were up for grabs.

Chongsong Ri won the men's 62kg weightlifting, O Sunhui the women's 44kg judo and Zhiqun Zheng emerged on top – or rather plummeted downwards the best – to win the three metre springboard diving.

The other gold medal went to Uzbekistan's judoka Doston Ruziev in the men's 55kg division.

Competition got underway in eight other events, including rugby sevens where the players defied the brutally hot weather conditions engulfing this city, a former capital of China.

Weather apart however the first signs point towards a well-organised and supported Games continuing in the fine spirits of an inspiring opening ceremony - with Jiang the first of many new heroes.