Asia's Olympic Qualification Regatta

The largest number of competitors ever are preparing to line up for the FISA Olympic Continental Qualification Regatta for Asia. Sixty-two athletes will compete in singles and doubles in China’s coastal city of Shanghai all vying for a spot in this year’s Olympic Games.

Favourites to qualify include China’s 2003 World Champion Qian Li, who, at 18 years old is one of the youngest competitors. Dongxiang Xu joins Li to race in the women’s lightweight double. Japan is also expected to be at the top of the doubles hierarchy and a good showing is likely from first timers Vietnam.

Of the thirteen countries participating Iraq, Palestine and Vietnam are sending crews for the first time. Vietnam’s large contingent includes athletes in all of the four events.

FISA’s Project Manager, Sheila Stephens attributes the increase in the number of entries to a rise in the standard of rowing in the Asian region. This has seen athletes participating at more international regattas. ?These athletes have been competing in the Asian Games, the SEA Games and at FISA Regattas,? says Stephens.

Pakistan’s Muhammad Akram Waryah will compete in the men’s single as he aims for his second Olympics. Akram recently won two gold medals at the SAF Games and has been Pakistan’s top rower for a number of years. Akram is hedging his bets by also competing in the men’s lightweight double with Zahid Ali Pirzada.

Thailand’s Phuttharaksa Nikree is also aiming for her second Olympic Games and will race for one of the five qualifying spots in the women’s single.

The regatta starts on April 21st and runs until the 24th and competition will be intense with only seventeen qualifying places up for grabs. Athletes must finish in the top six of the men’s single, the top three of the men’s lightweight double, the top five of the women’s single and the top three of the women’s lightweight double.

The weather is forecasted to be cloudy with moderate temperatures.

Countries participating include China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Myanmar, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Keep an eye out for results at http://www.cnrowing.com/english/