2024 Kiteboarding Asian Championships Kick Off
by Marina Psychogyiou 18 Sep 06:16 PDT
17-22 September 2024
Daishan, located in the delta of the Yangtze River © IKA Media / Matias Capizzano
The charming island of Daishan, situated in the Yangtze River delta, is gearing up to host the eagerly awaited 2024 Kiteboarding Asian Championships from September 17 to 22.
This region, celebrated for its scenic beauty and strategic importance, provides a stunning backdrop for this esteemed competition.
The Yangtze River, which begins on the Tibetan Plateau, travels over 6,300 km through diverse landscapes, finally emptying into a key economic and cultural area in China.
The championships will showcase fierce competition in the Formula Kite and TwinTip:Racing classes, with champions set to be named in both men’s and women’s divisions. A national contest in Wingfoil Racing will further elevate the excitement, highlighting the skill and versatility of the competitors.
This year, 95 athletes, consisting of 28 women and 67 men from six Asian countries, will compete. Many participants are entering multiple classes, promising a thrilling showcase of talent and tenacity.
Among the competitors, attention will be focused on Max Maeder from Singapore and Qibin Huang from China, the frontrunners for the men’s Formula Kite championship. At just 18, Max and Qibin have maintained a lifelong friendship and rivalry.
While Max has frequently finished ahead, Qibin’s victory last year marked a significant triumph, ending his friend’s streak. Max, on the other hand, won a bronze medal at the Olympics, enhancing his impressive accomplishments. The question everyone is asking is: who will prevail this time?
This year’s event will also introduce a new racing format intended for the 2028 Olympics. This revised structure features a faster, more predictable medal series in terms of duration and includes a unique “golden ticket race” element, adding excitement and engagement to the competition.
Racing will continue through Saturday, September 21, with the medal series planned for Sunday, September 22, when new Asian Champions will be declared.
The event is facing an extra challenge as the area recently experienced Typhoon Bebinca, which caused considerable damage. Organizers are diligently working to restore the venues to ensure the safety of all participants. With another typhoon anticipated on Thursday, there may be delays in the races, but true to the essence of watersports, the spirit of competition and camaraderie remains vibrant.
The 2024 Kiteboarding Asian Championships are set to be an unforgettable celebration of athlete resilience and skill, as well as the lasting beauty of Daishan.
