Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Chinese Martial Arts Star Suffers Broken Cheekbone in Slapping Contest
Imagine a game where two people stand and take turns slapping each other hard.
A famous Chinese martial artist named Zhao Honggang tried this new game called 'Power Slap' for the first time in Saudi Arabia.
In one of the rounds, he got hit so hard that his cheekbone broke, and he needed stitches near his eye.
Even though it looked serious, Zhao told everyone he was okay and didn't get a concussion, which is a more serious head injury.
People online saw his injury and talked about how brave he was, and some wondered if the game was too dangerous.
Zhao is known for his amazing kung fu skills and breaking bricks with his hands, and this was his first time trying this slapping competition.
Chinese martial artist Zhao Honggang debuted in the Power Slap competition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 31.
Zhao suffered a broken cheekbone, a bleeding brow, and a swollen eye requiring five stitches after being knocked out by his opponent.
Hospital tests confirmed Zhao did not sustain a concussion, and he reassured followers he was recovering well.
Zhao is the first Chinese athlete to compete in Power Slap and is a practitioner of Tongbai Boxing, a traditional martial art.
His participation and injury sparked discussions on social media regarding the nature of the sport.
- Who
- Chinese martial arts star Zhao Honggang
- What
- Suffered a broken cheekbone and required stitches after being knocked out in his Power Slap debut.
- When
- October 31
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Why
- Sustained injuries from his opponent's slap during the competition.
Public Reaction & Concerns
Zhao Honggang's Statement
Injury and Match Outcome
Public Reaction & Concerns
Social media users discussed Zhao Honggang's defeat and injury, with some questioning the fairness of the match or impact.
Zhao Honggang's Statement
Zhao Honggang stated he was fine, only needing stitches for a minor cheekbone fracture and that he did not have a concussion, thanking fans for their support.
- Athlete Name
- Zhao Honggang
- Competition
- Power Slap
- Date
- October 31
- Location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Opponent
- Muhammad Amantaev (Kazakhstan)
- Injury
- Broken cheekbone, bleeding brow, swollen right eye, wound requiring five stitches
- Concussion Status
- Negative (confirmed by imaging tests)
- Zhao's Background
- First Chinese athlete in Power Slap, 35 years old, ninth-generation successor of Qi family's Tongbai Boxing (national intangible cultural heritage), known for breaking bricks and winning domestic martial arts competitions.
