The 2024 Nanjing University Rowing Open officially began on the 14th, marking the start of the 2024 Nanjing Water Sports Culture Month. The event took place on the picturesque Qinhuai River, where rowing teams from prestigious universities around the world such as Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn in Malaysia, and Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines competed against the Nanjing University Rowing Team.
The competition was held on the Gulou section of the Qinhuai River, offering a stunning backdrop of the ancient Ming Dynasty City Wall and the lush Qingliang Mountain. The blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks added an extra dimension to the intense competition.
Rowing is a sport known for its strong emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie, making it a popular choice among universities globally. The open competition featured events such as the men’s eight-person coxed 1,000-meter sprint race and the men’s eight-person coxed 2,000-meter super boat race. The addition of the “Super Boat Race” aims to showcase the sport and attract more young people to participate in rowing.
To promote environmental sustainability, the organizers set up 15 green viewing spots throughout the city powered by photovoltaic energy storage. By collaborating with carbon-neutral enterprises, the event aims to raise awareness about green technology and sustainability among spectators. Chen Chunxin, vice chairman of the Chinese Rowing Association, believes that this green initiative will set a new standard for future rowing events.
During the 2024 Nanjing Water Sports Culture Month, various water events and training activities including rowing, dragon boating, sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking will take place in Nanjing’s waters. This month-long celebration of water sports is set to showcase the beauty of Nanjing’s waters and promote a healthy and active lifestyle among its residents and visitors.