With boats soaring and currents surging, after two days of fierce competition, the 2023 Harbin Asia Pacific Rowing Master Race concluded successfully. 22 teams from multiple countries and regions, totaling over 300 high-level athletes, gathered in the "Olympic Champion City" Harbin, showcasing their rowing skills on the wetlands of Hulan Estuary. Amidst the clear breeze and sparkling waters, they continuously pushed their limits, embodying the competitive and forward-moving charm of sports, interpreting solidarity and progress in the realm of athletic competition.

 

 

It is reported that the China Rowing Association and the Harbin Municipal People's Government are hosting this event, while the Harbin Sports Bureau and Deep Diving Sports & Health (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. are organizing it. The Hulan District People's Government is providing support for the event. The competition was divided into four categories: Elite Division, Masters Division, Youth Division, and 4KM Pursuit Race, covering various age groups and events. With well-structured competition regulations, a professional judging panel, and a competent operational team, the athletes were provided with international-level services and support.

 

 

Looking across the event venue, the Hulan Estuary wetlands, far from the bustling city, presented a scene of rippling blue waves on the lake. Participants from various countries chanted synchronized slogans, vigorously paddling their oars. Splashes of water soared, creating layers of waves, resembling dragons as the rowing boats, high-spirited and confident, raced toward the finish line. The enthusiasm of the onlookers along the shore was ignited by the intense competition. They cheered passionately, waving their arms and shouting in support of their favorite teams. The internationalized nature of rowing has truly captured the hearts of the people of Harbin.

 

 

Ms. Li, a local resident who attended the event with her family, expressed, "This is the first time I've witnessed such an international rowing competition right at our doorstep. The athletes' performance is absolutely spectacular, and I've been cheering for them all along! I think this is a fantastic experience that allowed me to feel the charm and power of sports." Other spectators also conveyed their excitement and pride for such an event.

"Rowing can be a bridge that connects people of different skin colors, cultures, and languages. I'm honored to participate in this event and hope to have more opportunities to take part in various rowing competitions hosted by China, allowing more people to truly experience and feel the charm of rowing." SANPHET CHUNITHIPAISAN from Thailand expressed.

 

 

It's reported that this competition adopted a "online + offline" broadcasting mode, attracting 20,000 on-site spectators and achieving 4.4958 million online viewers. In addition, during the event, exciting water performances such as flyboarding and jet ski shows delighted the audience, earning continuous applause.

 

 

The Asia Pacific Rowing Master Race is one of the most prestigious rowing IP events in the Asia-Pacific region, with a long history and wide popularity among the masses and in the market. The successful hosting of this inaugural domestic event at the Asia-Pacific level showcases Harbin's proactive exploration of the "sports+" model, promoting the latest achievements in integrated development of culture, tourism, and sports, acting as a "leader" in winter sports and gradually shining in summer cultural and tourism projects, presenting a dazzling new international calling card.

 

 

Furthermore, Harbin's development in water sports has already displayed a flourishing trend, with a variety of activities including sailing, windsurfing, dragon boating, and kayaking, enriching the depth and breadth of water sports in Harbin. Built upon the rich water sports resources, the deep integration of sports, tourism, culture, and economy highlights Harbin's unique charm as the "City of Ice and Summer Capital." The harmonious coexistence of people and nature paints a magnificent urban panorama that is unfolding step by step.