China's 15th National Games opened with a splash as rowing events took center stage in Guangzhou, showcasing fierce competition and Olympic-level talent. The men's quadruple sculls final delivered immediate drama, with Jiangsu's crew of Cai Pengpeng, Zhang Hanwen, Zang Ha, and Zhang Zihao securing gold in 4:12.24 – edging out host team Guangdong by 1.3 seconds.
Meanwhile, Henan's women's quadruple sculls team dominated their event, anchored by Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Lyu Yang. The crew of Liu Youfei, Han Mengyao, and Xu Yingying demonstrated seamless coordination to claim victory, reinforcing China's growing strength in competitive rowing.
The results highlight both regional athletic development and China's continued investment in Olympic sports infrastructure. With multiple events still to come, the National Games serve as a crucial platform for emerging athletes ahead of international competitions.
