Feng Shanshan is aiming for top spot on the women's golf podium at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

Chinese golfer Feng Shanshan is targeting gold at Tokyo 2020 next year after finishing third in the inaugural Olympic tournament in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Feng claimed bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and told China's state news agency Xinhua the country "needs a gold medal in golf".

"The bronze medal was a breakthrough for Chinese golf, but China has won so many gold medals in other sports, so I think Chinese golf needs a gold medal," the 31-year-old said.

Feng, who won the Women's Professional Golf Association of America (PGA) Championship in 2012 and has claimed 10 titles on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, has not competed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Feng Shanshan won bronze in women's golf at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images
Feng Shanshan won bronze in women's golf at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

She said she would "not be under pressure" to win a medal at Tokyo 2020, pushed back to 2021 because of the COVID-19 crisis, despite her exploits in Rio four years ago.

The Women's PGA Championship title is Feng's sole victory at a major, although she has twice finished in a tie for second place.

Golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is due to take place at the Kasumigaseki Country Club, with the women's tournament scheduled for August 4 to 7.

The men's and women's golf events will feature 60 players.

The Games are set to run from July 23 to August 8.