International canoeing event starts in Hangzhou in October, Olympic champion will appear

In a recent announcement from the Hangzhou Sports Bureau, the stage is set for the 2024 International Canoe Federation “Hangzhou Super Cup,” which will take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province from October 11 to 13. This exciting event is anticipated to draw over 530 elite athletes from 36 countries and regions, including standout competitors like Liu Hao and Ji Bowen, who earned gold in the men’s canoe double 500m at the Paris Olympics, along with Xu Shixiao and Sun Mengya, the champions in the women’s canoe double 500m from both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

The competition will unfold at the Fuyang Water Sports Center, a venue that was initially constructed for the Asian Games. This inaugural event promises to be groundbreaking, featuring an extraordinary blend of four major disciplines: flatwater canoeing, slalom kayaking, canoe marathon, and canoe polo, encompassing a total of 30 distinct events.

The tournament will consist of 10 events each for slalom and flatwater canoeing, 2 events for canoe polo, and 8 events dedicated to the canoe marathon.

In addition to the exciting competitions, the event’s emblem, mascot, and slogan have also been revealed. The emblem creatively merges elements of canoeing with the picturesque scenery of Hangzhou and the famous painting “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.” The mascot, affectionately named “Tuntun,” is a charming white dolphin native to the Qiantang River. The slogan, “Dreams in Motion,” embodies the athletes’ relentless spirit and their pursuit of excellence.

Fans can look forward to two distinct spectator zones: Zone A will accommodate those attending flatwater canoeing, canoe marathon, and canoe polo events, while Zone B is dedicated to slalom kayaking. These zones will be unconnected, so fans wishing to experience events in both areas will need separate tickets. However, ticket holders can enter each zone twice on the same day, ensuring they don’t miss out on thrilling moments.

With a tightly packed schedule over three days, the inaugural “Hangzhou Super Cup” promises to deliver an exhilarating experience, seamlessly uniting flatwater canoeing, slalom kayaking, canoe marathon, and canoe polo. For example, if a spectator purchases tickets for both Zones A and B on October 11, a total cost of 100 RMB allows them to enjoy the canoe marathon finals before heading over to Zone B for the slalom single kayak finals.

Hosting the first “Hangzhou Super Cup” marks a significant milestone for Hangzhou’s sports landscape, propelling the city closer to its ambition of becoming an “International Sports City.” This event further enhances the legacy of the Asian Games and elevates the city’s international presence.