The 2025 Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Finals began Sept 11 in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, bringing together elite rowers from 11 countries and regions for four days of competition.

The opening ceremony of the 2025 Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Finals is held in Zhoushan. [Photo provided by Weng Yu]

Sixty rowers and 31 team officials, together with international and domestic technical officers, are taking part. Competitions are divided into U19 and senior groups, with categories including men's and women's single sculls, double sculls and mixed doubles.

The sport has grown rapidly in recent years. At the 2025 Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, from Aug 6 to 10, the Chinese team claimed five golds and one silver, with rowers from Zhejiang contributing three golds and one silver. Their strong showing has raised expectations for the Zhoushan finals.

At the sound of the starting gun, rowers sprinted into the water, jumped into their boats and powered forward, creating white trails across the waves. Spectators lined the beach, cheering for their favorites.

The rowers compete during the 2025 Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Zhoushan. [Photo/2025 Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Finals]

Zhoushan's wide coastline and fine sand provided an ideal venue, supported by strong tourism facilities. The competition runs through Sept 14 with heats, semifinals, and finals across all categories, promising a series of thrilling races for fans and visitors alike.