Asian Canoe Confederation activities

Fantastic Super Cup

The major event of this year after the Olympic Games was none other than the 2024 ICF Hangzhou Super Cup.

Elite paddlers from Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint, Canoe Marathon, and Canoe Polo from around the world were invited by the ICF to participate in the event from October 11 to 13 at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre, a high-energy venue, coupled with stunning scenery and top-notch service.

As the world’s first international canoeing event that combines four disciplines, five counting a Dragon Boat demonstration, the ICF Hangzhou Super Cup attracted a total of 529 top athletes from 36 countries and regions, including 13 Olympic champions and several World Cup and World Championships winners.

On the first day of competition, the Canoe Marathon programme set a number of the world’s best times; the slalom event featured 11 medalists from the Paris Olympic Games, resulting in fierce competition; the Canoe Polo programme almost gathered the world’s top 10 teams, showcasing a top-tier showdown, with Germany and Spain ultimately claiming the men’s and women’s titles, respectively.

Inviting Chinese and foreign athletes to visit the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal and Fuyang, participants traced the unique charm of Hangzhou along the canal, experiencing the breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. 

Thank you to the Chinese Organising Committee for its support to all athletes and teams.

Canoeing with nature

The ACC continued the trend of organising Canoe Ocean Racing annually in different regions of Asia. From November 21 to 22, the fourth Asian Canoe Ocean Racing and Stand-Up Paddling Championships were held at Laem Mae Phim Beach, Rayong, Thailand.

The great venue attracted 63 athletes from eight countries, challenging them in testing conditions and the beautiful tropical landmark as a gift from nature.

Growth of Canoe Marathon in Asia

On the same dates, the venue in Thailand also hosted the Asian Canoe Marathon Championships. 

A short distance race for the junior category was held in Thailand for the first time in Asia as a demonstrative event. Over 120 athletes from nine countries competed in this Asian Championships, with the numbers seeing an exponential growth compared with the third Asian Canoe Marathon Championships that had only 40 paddlers.

The ACC cooperated with the ICF to organise an ITO seminar and examination during the period of the championships. It was supported by Ruud Heijselaar, the ICF Canoe Marathon Committee Chair, who was also the examiner.

I want to congratulate all 12 ITOs from five countries who passed. Thank you to the Organising Committee for the warm hospitality to all National Federations and thank you to all teams for making this event smooth and successful.

By Chainarong Charoenruk, President of the Asian Canoe Confederation