Sept 18 was supposed to be the wash.

China vs Japan, Asian Games semi, on the anniversary.

Beat the hosts on that date and the summer of losses becomes a patriotic clip.

That is why the game was booked like a national event — until it wasn’t. CCTV-5 quietly moved it to CCTV-5+. Then Japan won 97–77. Largest Asian Games losing margin in team history.

The shame-recovery script died in one night.

Two days later: China vs Iran, bronze. Same spare channel. Swimming kept the main one. No anniversary. No “regain pride” language. Just young, tired, we will summarize. 70–79. Fourth place.

Same team. Same tournament. Different political temperature.

Against Japan it was national honour. Against Iran it was a second-rate game on a second-rate channel after the honour project had already failed.

Coach still left first. Players still bowed. He still shouted that Iran had no shot. Iran still made 15 threes.

The pride schedule only runs when the opponent is useful.