Guangwushan·2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Cup Opens in Bazhong

Explore the Blessed City of Four Niches, Witness the Thrilling Races on the Ba River. On the morning of May 23, the Guangwushan·2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Cup officially kicked off at the designated section of the Ba River in Bazhong. The event is organized by the International Canoe Federation and co-hosted by theChina Water Sports Administration, the Chinese Canoe Association,Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Sport, and Bazhong Municipal People’s Government. It has attracted more than 300 athletes from 41 countries and regions.

At the opening ceremony, Thomas Konietzko, President of the International Canoe Federation, delivered a speech, and Ge Xiaopeng, Deputy Secretary-General of Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, announced the opening of the event. The guests attending the ceremony or delivering speeches at the ceremony were Xian Rongsheng, Secretary of the CPC Bazhong Municipal Party Committee; Prashant Kushwaha, President of the Asian Canoe Confederation; Ruud Heijselaar, Chairman of the ICF Canoe Marathon Committee; Miki Bando, Chairman of the ACC Canoe Marathon Committee; Kang Ping, Deputy Director-General of the Competitive Sports Department of the General Administration of Sport of China; Zhan Hui, Director of the China Water Sports Administration and President of the Chinese Canoe Association; Wang Meng, Director of the Business Development Department of the Chinese Canoe Association; Du Deqing, Director of Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Sport; and Gao Pengling, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Bazhong Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Bazhong Municipal People’s Government, and other guests, etc.

In his speech, Thomas Konietzko stated that in recent years, the name“Bazhong” has frequently appeared in the international canoeing community, not only as a host of major ICF events, but also for its rich cultural heritage, long history, and stunning natural scenery. This event will showcase Bazhong to the world as a vibrant, warm, and welcoming city. The International Canoe Federation will continue its efforts to bring more international events to Bazhong in the future. He encouraged local residents, especially young people, to learn about and participate in canoeing, and to enjoy rivers, nature, and the values promoted by the sport. He sincerely wished all athletes success in the competition and hoped they would create unforgettable moments together with their paddles and the beautiful waves of the Ba River.

Zhan Hui, on behalf of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Canoe Association, delivered a speech to extend a warm welcome and gratitude to the ICF, athletes from all countries, and event organizers. He noted that in recent years, canoeing in China has developed rapidly and become deeply integrated into the global sports landscape. The hosting of the World Cup in Bazhong marks a significant step in Chinese water sports, expanding from coastal regions to inland areas and from localized development to nationwide coverage. The selection of Bazhong reflects high recognition of its ecological resources and cultural heritage. The flowing Ba River carries the dreams of athletes from around the world and reflects the openness and inclusiveness of inland Chinese cities. He wished all athletes excellent performance and lasting friendships.

Gao Pengling, on behalf of the Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Government, and all citizens, extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests. He stated that as a top-tier ICF Category A water sport event, this marks the third time the Canoe Marathon World Cup has been held in China and the first time it has reached a western Chinese city. This is not only recognition of Bazhong’s natural environment, water conditions, and hosting capacity, but also an acknowledgment of its vitality and openness. Bazhong has adhered to the principles of simplicity and safety, mobilizing the entire city to carefully prepare for the event. He hoped the event would serve as a bridge for sports and cultural exchange between Bazhong and the world, jointly promoting the high-level development of canoeing. He warmly invited friends from home and abroad to visit Bazhong and experience its natural beauty and cultural charm.

After the official opening announcement, athlete and referee representatives took their oaths respectively.

A cultural performance was also staged, featuring intangible cultural heritage elements such as Bashan Bei’er Song, Fanshan Jiaozi dance, and Sichuan Qingyin, showcasing Bazhong’s traditional culture and its dynamic and open spirit.

The competition includes 3 disciplines with 17 events in the professional group category and 5 disciplines with 20 events in the mass participation group category. Athletes from around the world will compete fiercely on the Ba River. During the event, Bazhong promotes urban development and industry through sports, while also launching supporting activities such as intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, cultural product fairs, riverside markets, and a music and beer festival, highlighting both sporting appeal and urban vitality.

Athletes, coaches, technical officials, representatives from provincial departments, provincial water sports centers, national canoe marathon host cities, sister cities, and cities within Sichuan Province, along with media representatives, sponsors, and officials from Bazhong and its districts/counties, as well as guests from all sectors of society, attended the opening ceremony.