National Rowing Beach Sprint Invitational wraps up in WCNA

After three days of competition, the 2023 National Rowing Beach Sprint Invitational came to an end at Moon Bay in Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) on Aug 13.

Over 31 rowing teams comprising more than 200 participants took part in the event.

A rower participates in a coastal rowing race at Moon Bay in Qingdao WCNA, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Xihaian News]

Zheng Yuting and Xiao Ruiqin from the Shandong Ruihe team claimed the gold medal in the mixed double sculls in the mass participation category.

Jiang Yinghua from the Fujian team secured the gold medal in the women's single sculls, while Feng Shuo from the Jilin team emerged victorious in the men's single sculls category.

Lin Zhentong and Sun Zhaoxuan from the Guangdong team clinched the gold medal in the mixed double sculls in the professional category.

For the team overall score, the Fujian team secured first position, followed by the Hubei team in second place and the Dalian Haoshun team in third.

As the first national-level coastal rowing competition organized by the Chinese Rowing Association, the 2023 National Rowing Beach Sprint Invitational was aimed at igniting public's interest and participation in this sport.

"Coastal rowing is an emerging sport that evolved from traditional flat water rowing. Currently, the World Rowing Federation is making efforts to promote coastal rowing sprints as a potential addition to the Olympic Games. There is a chance that coastal rowing could become an official competition event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," said Chen Chunxin, vice-chairman of the Chinese Rowing Association.

Another important rowing event, the 2023 Asian Coastal Rowing Masters Tournament, will be held in Qingdao WCNA on Oct 20.