The first-ever International Canoe Federation Paddle Summit officially opened in Hangzhou bringing together all 10 disciplines to help shape the future of paddle sports.
The meeting will see members of the ICF’s committees come together in the Chinese city to share their thoughts and discuss a series of topics on March 1 and 2.
Sustainability, venue development and competition calendar will be among the subjects that will be discussed in Hangzhou.
The Paddle Summit is a key step in the ICF’s organisational review after launching its Fit for Future Evolution strategy in November last year.
An Opening Ceremony was held at the Dragon Hotel in Hangzhou where International Olympic Committee Executive Board member Li Lingwei was among the special guests.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko, Chinese Canoe Association President Tong Lixin, Hangzhou Deputy Mayor Chen Weiqiang, Chinese Media Group Deputy Sports Director Ma Zheng and Deputy Director of Sports Bureau of Zhejiang Province Zhan Xugang were also among the attendees.
“It is a pleasure to have all of our disciplines and many representatives from our 171 National Federations gathering for our first-ever Paddle Summit,” said Mr Konietzko.
“This marks a very important time for our federation, and we hope over the next few days we can underline just how important it is that we work together to achieve our objectives to grow paddle sport globally.
“We will be working hard to shape a successful future for our federation.”
The ICF’s satellite office opened in Hangzhou last year. It also hosted the ICF Hangzhou Super Cup featuring Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Canoe Polo and Canoe Marathon in October 2024.
The multi-discipline event was staged at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre, building on the legacy of Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.
“Over the past two years, Hangzhou and the ICF have jointly achieved many firsts, with the establishment of the first ICF representative office in Hangzhou, the ICF Hangzhou Super Cup that made history by integrating four disciplines — Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Canoe Marathon, and Canoe Polo — into a single event,” said Mr Lixin.
“Today, the decision-makers and practitioners of global canoe have gathered once again in Hangzhou to chart the future course for our sport.
“These milestones not only exemplify Hangzhou’s dynamic contributions to global and Chinese sports but also reflect the deepening collaboration between the ICF and China to propel canoe to new heights.”
Mr Weiqiang added: “It’s a great honour to gather with elite professionals from the global canoeing industry by the picturesque West Lake, as we jointly inaugurate this prestigious international canoeing event.
“On behalf of the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government, I would like to extend the warmest welcome and heartfelt gratitude to all our friends who have travelled from as afar to be here.
“From the Asian Games to the International Canoe Federation Hangzhou Super Cup, Hangzhou has consistently taken an open and inclusive approach, embodying the spirit of riding the wave of progress, integrating urban vitality with the passion of sports, and resonating cultural heritage with the pulse of times.
“Hangzhou is committed to building on the momentum of the successful 19th Asian Games and revitalising the city through top level sporting events.”
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