You kidding me? China won't make same mistake in Tokyo

China's team march during the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Odd ANDERSEN

China put a brave face on their worst Olympics for 20 years but they will work hard to make sure they aren't embarrassed again in 2020 -- when the Games are hosted by arch-rivals Japan.

A third-placed finish on the medals table below the United States and Britain, made for a sobering Games after China triumphantly topped the standings at Beijing 2008 and finished second in 2012.