The 2025 World Rowing Championships will take place from September 21 to 28 at the Shanghai Water Sports Center. According to the latest updates, a total of 1,132 athletes and coaches from 56 countries and regions will gather on the shores of Dianshan Lake. Preparations are now in their final stages, with organizers striving to deliver a safe, spectacular, and memorable event.

Star-Studded Lineup, Plenty to Watch

Among the Chinese athletes competing on home soil, Zhang Ling and Chen Yunxia from Shanghai have drawn special attention. The women’s double sculls duo claimed gold at both the Varese and Lucerne World Cups earlier this year, demonstrating their formidable form.

As part of China’s powerhouse women’s quadruple sculls crew — Zhang Ling, Chen Yunxia, Lü Yang, and Cui Xiaotong — they have earned remarkable international results, including World Championship titles in 2019 and 2022, as well as Olympic gold in Tokyo, where they set a then-world best time of 6:05.13.

Alongside their dominance in the quadruple sculls, Zhang and Chen have also been testing themselves in the double sculls, winning gold in that event at the 2021 National Games. After a brief dip in form at the Paris Olympics, their back-to-back World Cup victories this year have signaled a strong comeback, heightening expectations for their performance in Shanghai.

Internationally, fans will watch closely as the legendary Sinković brothers from Croatia, Martin and Valent, return to the stage. As three-time Olympic champions across the double sculls and pair, they remain the only crew to achieve this feat. This time, they will aim for another medal in the men’s four.

In the women’s field, Lauren Henry, Olympic champion in the quadruple sculls at Paris 2024, has switched to single sculls this season and is unbeaten so far. The young British star is known for her raw power and composed racing style. In the men’s single sculls, Germany’s Oliver Zeidler, a multiple world champion and back-to-back Olympic gold medalist, enters as the clear favorite.

Smooth Preparations

Preparations for the championships are progressing in an orderly manner.

To meet the requirements of hosting the World Championships, the Shanghai Water Sports Center, originally built in 1983, has undergone extensive upgrades. Key improvements include the wave-dampening system, Albano lanes, docks, movable start tower, as well as new boathouses, pontoons, finish tower, competition center, and main grandstand. A new security monitoring system and night-lighting infrastructure have been installed, with wireless network coverage extended across the venue. Two simulation regattas and one test event have already been held, with technical delegates confirming all facilities meet international standards.

On the organizational side, hotel accommodations have been upgraded to international standards in terms of layout and facilities. Comprehensive security and medical plans have been drawn up, and collaboration with Shanghai’s Market Supervision Bureau has ensured the first batch of food-based anti-doping tests was successfully completed.

Creative Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Hou Jie, a national first-class director and creative lead for the ceremonies, revealed that both the opening and closing events will highlight creativity and cultural depth, while embracing a frugal yet impactful approach.

This will be the first time the World Rowing Championships are hosted in China. The opening ceremony will be staged at the Fangting Water Courtyard in Qingpu District, a venue rich in Jiangnan water-town character. It will blend the essence of traditional Chinese culture with the charm of the Jiangnan waterways, the cosmopolitan spirit of Shanghai, and classical heritage, while breaking away from traditional land-based ceremonies to achieve land, water, and aerial integration.

Athletes will make their entrance in a specially designed way: dressed in custom-made attire, they will arrive on traditional rowboats, echoing the Jiangnan water-town aesthetic.

The medal ceremonies and closing ceremony will, for the first time, move beyond the race venue to the rooftop terrace of the Regent Shanghai on the Bund, with the city’s glittering skyline as a natural backdrop. Innovative design inspired by rowing elements will intertwine the urban landscape with the spirit of sport. Medal-winning athletes will also join themed showcases, ranging from Chinese heritage styles to Shanghai modern fashion, turning the closing event into a global celebration.

“We want to present not just a closing ceremony, but a joyful gathering for athletes from around the world,” Hou Jie emphasized. Through a concise yet meaningful celebration, the event aims to showcase Shanghai’s hospitality, promote cultural exchange, highlight youthful energy, and present the world with a high-quality “rowing business card” from China.