Hong Kong China Rowing Association

Nothing can stop rowing together- Let’s Row!

(Hong Kong, 20 January 2021) Hong Kong, China Rowing Association (HKCRA) today announced the first ever Asian Continental Qualifier (ACQ) Event for the 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships (WRICH) to be held on 24 January 2021 in Hong Kong.

For the first time ever, the 2021 WRICH will be staged as a virtual event. Competitors will have the opportunity to race for the title of World Champion from anywhere in the world. The 2021 WRICH will include a continental qualification round and well as an open qualification pathway. There are a total of five continental qualifiers including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Those who qualify via the continental events will join those who qualify via the open pathway in the Finals of the WRICH from 23 to 27 February 2021. The HKCRA is proud to have been entrusted by the World Rowing to organize the Asian Qualifier in Hong Kong. The competition will be accessible to anyone of Asian nationality with access to a Concept2 static rowing ergometer equipped with the latest performance monitors and racing will take place in real time.

The ACQ combined elements of the “live – virtual” race format opens the door for HKCRA to expand the reach of this Asian event to all rowers throughout the Asia. Currently, there are 14 Asian countries/regions with nearly 300 entries registered to take part. The Organizing Committee, formed under the HKCRA, has put their best efforts to tackle the technical challenges and work closely with the World Rowing’s technical consultants over the past few months in order to bring the ACQ to Hong Kong. The new virtual platform, developed by Time Team in the Netherlands, allows Rowers to compete together from any physical locations and all performances can be directly compared online. Spectators and supporters are also able to watch the races at real time, with live streaming on the YouTube channel and on the HKCRA’s official Facebook page.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted sports events locally, regionally and globally. In view of the physical constraints of hosting the competition in person, HKCRA hopes that the virtual event will bring the regional and local rowers together, professional and amateur, embracing the rowing spirit. We expect the ACQ of the WRICH attracts 14 Asian countries/regions with nearly 300 entries from the region, extending our continuing success from the World Rowing Coastal Championships in late 2019.” said by Mr NG Kong Wan, Chairman of the HKCRA.

As the host city, the Hong Kong Rowing Team has entered 19 representatives to participate in the Race. Head Rowing Coach, Chris PERRY, enthusiastically welcomed the event:

“The past year has been a very difficult one for the world’s top rowers with the Olympic Games and almost all worldwide competitions postponed or cancelled. Our Hong Kong rowers have had to remain in closed camps inside to Hong Kong Sports Institute in order to support the community in battling the pandemic. This virtual event provides the opportunity to experience the excitement of international competition again, to meet our friends and rivals throughout the region and to look ahead to the future. The event welcomes not only elite athletes but also Para rowers, Masters or even those who just row at home. Who knows – we may also see some new stars emerging.”

The HKCRA would like to take this opportunity to express our thankfulness to the Arts and Sports Development Fund of the Home Affairs Bureau, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and our sponsors – RowSports Asia Limited and OXD for their support

For more information about the ACQ, please visit the website at https://rowing.org.hk/competitions/acq or Official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/2021ACQ/

For more information about the WRICH, please visit the official website of World Rowing: https://worldrowing.com/events/indoor-events/world-indoor-championships/

Photos of Hong Kong Rowing Athletes and Video of Zoom Media Brief at: https://bit.ly/2XTSprh