2024 China Canoe Marathon Open Hosts Test Event for TWG 2025 at Xinglong Lake

On Tuesday, the 2024 China Canoe Marathon Open took place at Xinglong Lake in Chengdu, marking a successful test event for the Canoe Marathon and Dragon Boat disciplines at The World Games (TWG) 2025 Chengdu. The event drew around 360 athletes, from high level to recreational level, who competed in both disciplines.

 

 

A three-member team from the International Canoe Federation (ICF) attended the event, including ICF Canoe Marathon Committee Chair Ruud Heijselaar, ICF Dragon Boat Commission Chair Dr. Wai-Hung Luk, and ICF Event Operations Manager Hoichan Kwon. They observed the competitions and inspected the facilities. “I think Xinglong Lake is very suitable for hosting Dragon Boat and Canoe Marathon events at the same venue,” Mr. Heijselaar said. “It has high-quality water conditions suitable for international events. It also has state-of-the-art facilities and a strong sports atmosphere.” Mr. Kwon added, “The test event is crucial to ensuring the smooth development of next year’s World Games. The ICF conducted on-site exploration of the event to understand potential problems that may be encountered during the Games next year.”

 

 

It is noteworthy that this test event marked the first global dual trial for Canoe Marathon and Dragon Boat competitions, a milestone as the Dragon Boat discipline will make its debut as a medal event in TWG 2025. Next year, both events will be held at the Xinglong Lake Hubin Arena in Chengdu.

 

Edited by Wang Yunlong