Rowing chief hails Shanghai worlds

World Rowing Federation President Jean-Christophe Rolland has offered high praise for the organization of the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, highlighting the event's potential legacy for the sport in China.

"We are very pleased and excited to be in Shanghai this year. The championships have been fantastic," Rolland told China Daily in an exclusive interview. "Having these world championships held in China is very important, and is a wonderful opportunity to promote our sport in the country."

The championships, held in Shanghai's Qingpu district, have brought together over 1,000 athletes and coaches from 55 countries and regions, including Olympic gold medalists and world champions, competing across 23 events.

The federation president praised the preparation and facilities at the Shanghai venue. "The conditions for athletes both on and off the water met really high standards. For the rowing course itself, I could not have asked for anything better. It's been purpose-built for the sport," Rolland emphasized, noting the organizing committee's successful delivery of the event.

"The Qingpu district provides a beautiful environment, and participants from around the world are thoroughly enjoying their experience here," he added.

These championships mark only the third time the event has been held in Asia since their inception in 1962, following Japan in 2005 and South Korea in 2013, in a competition historically hosted at European and North American venues.

Rolland emphasized the strategic importance of hosting the championships in China. "I expect that the images the children will see on TV and on the different social media platforms will give them the appetite to come and practice rowing."

Rolland also revealed plans for a "rowing legacy" project, to be launched in collaboration with the Shanghai organizing committee, with details to be announced this week. "Shanghai has a rich rowing history and a brilliant future ahead. We want to be part of that journey," he said.

The president highlighted China's growing importance in the international rowing calendar, noting that Qingdao in Shandong province will host the 2026 World Rowing Coastal Championships next year.

Discussing China's current competitive prospects, Rolland specifically mentioned the promising Chinese women's double sculls team. "They're really competing for gold. You have a very top crew," he said.

He also acknowledged that the overall Chinese team is relatively young and building for the future, with many athletes also preparing for the National Games in November. "We look forward to seeing this team gain valuable experience and achieve strong performances in these championships," he said.

The championships have received strong support from local authorities, with Rolland expressing gratitude to the Shanghai municipal government and the Shanghai Administration of Sports, as well as the organizing company, Donghao Lansheng.

The championships feature both para and traditional rowing events, marking the first such integrated event to be held in Shanghai.

"Inclusion has been essential to our strategy from the very beginning. And we want all of our athletes to compete from time to time," Rolland explained.

"We've also achieved equal participation in events for male and female athletes. For us, it's quite natural now to have our para events included in the world championships," he added.

Looking toward the future, Rolland outlined World Rowing's vision, with plans to bring the sport to more Chinese cities. "As an Olympic sport, our strategy is to remain key in the Olympic program. Rowing now encompasses three disciplines: classic rowing, as we have here in Shanghai; coastal rowing, which we'll see next year in Qingdao; and indoor rowing on machines."

The federation's expansion in Asia is part of a broader strategy to engage more people in the sport. "We need to continue attracting young people to our sport in what is a very competitive world. China exemplifies our strategy perfectly, hosting world championships in two of our disciplines in consecutive years," Rolland noted.