Paddles sliced through the water as youthful energy lit up the shores of Liaocheng on May 24, when the 2026 Asian University Dragon Boat Championship officially got underway.
Hosted by the Asian University Sports Federation and jointly organized by the Chinese University Sports Association, the Liaocheng Municipal People’s Government and Liaocheng University, the event has brought together university athletes from across Asia and beyond for a celebration of sport, culture and friendship.
Among those attending the opening ceremony were Zagasai Khan, Senior Vice President of the Asian University Sports Federation and Chairman of the Competition Supervision Committee; Hua Aijun, Vice President of the Chinese University Sports Association; Bai Chenglin, Party Secretary of Liaocheng University; Liu Qingfa, member of the Liaocheng Municipal Standing Committee and head of the Publicity Department; Ma Junquan, member of the Municipal Standing Committee and head of the United Front Work Department; Vice Mayor Ma Weihong; and Fang Zengfu, Deputy Party Secretary of Liaocheng University.
Liaocheng, a city shaped by its waterways, has long embraced dragon boat racing as part of local life. As the starting horn sounded, cheers echoed along the banks while teams from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Thailand and Australia powered their boats across the water in fierce competition.
This year’s championship features men’s, women’s and mixed 12-paddler events, including 200-meter and 500-meter sprint races as well as the demanding 2,000-meter turning-point race.
Out on the water, paddlers moved in perfect sync, each stroke driving their boats forward with speed and precision. Onshore, spectators waved flags, shouted encouragement and raised phones and cameras to capture the action. The steady beat of drums mixed with splashing water and roaring crowds, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the venue.
More than just a sporting event, the championship also serves as a platform for cultural exchange among young people across Asia, strengthening friendship and mutual understanding through the shared spirit of dragon boat racing.
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