On October 2, the finals of the 2026 Chengdu Rowing Open took place on the Nanhe River section in Xinjin.

 

Nanhe River section in Xinjin.

 

The Chengdu Sport University team secured the gold medal in the university division of the 800-meter straight-course sprint final for the mixed eight with coxswain. The University of Otago and Tongji University teams took second and third place, respectively.

 

Award ceremony.

 

In the Open Men's Quadruple Sculls 800m straight final, the competition between the Meishan and Jianyang teams drew significant attention. Last year, the Meishan team finished a narrow second behind the Jianyang team, taking third place. This year, the two teams met again; with their strengths closely matched, the outcome was too close to call. Ultimately, the Meishan team claimed the championship, while the Jianyang and Mianyang teams took second and third place, respectively.

 

Award ceremony.

 

The final of the Open Division Women’s Quadruple Sculls 800-meter straight-course sprint was equally thrilling. The four women from the Suining team maintained the lead throughout the race and ultimately crossed the finish line first with a 5-second lead, claiming the gold medal.

 

Award ceremony.

 

For the first time, this year's competition featured a mixed eight-person single-scull with coxswain 3.3-kilometer pursuit race in the university division. Unlike the 800-meter straight-course race, which tests only sprint speed, the 3.3-kilometer course requires a combination of speed, endurance, tactics, and seamless teamwork among the eight rowers, none of which can be overlooked.

 

Twelve teams competed on the Nan River waterway. The scenery along the Wujin Langqiao Bridge and both banks of the Nan River was breathtaking, with the lush green Xiu Jue Mountain in the distance creating a picturesque backdrop, while a light mist and the glint of oars intertwined on the water's surface. Ultimately, the Chengdu Sport University team claimed the championship.

 

Award ceremony.

 

Although the 2026 Chengdu Rowing Open has come to a close, the highlights of Xinjin's cultural and tourism continue. The Waterfront Market, the Land Rowing Challenge, and the night show take turns captivating audiences, offering the chance to watch races by day and enjoy performances by night.

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: CRI Online