Global University Rowing Meets on the Qinhuai River

University rowers from China and around the world came together on the historic Qinhuai River in mid-September for the 2026 Nanjing International Universities Rowing Open, bringing 41 crews from 34 universities together for two days of racing, cultural exchange and international connection.

Held on 12–13 September, the event was dedicated to university rowing, with the Eight (8+) as the sole boat class. The international programme featured men’s and women’s 1000m Eight sprints, an Indoor Rowing 4×500m Relay and a 3000m Bump Race exhibition.

In the men’s 1000m Eight, the University of Technology Sydney took the top spot, followed by the University of Queensland and University of Otago.

The women’s 1000m Eight was won by the University of Washington, with the University of Melbourne finishing second and Adelaide University third.

While competition was at the heart of the event, the regatta also provided an opportunity for university rowers from different countries and communities to connect beyond the race course. Participants had the chance to experience Nanjing’s history and culture while sharing a common passion for rowing.

World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland highlighted the values that university sport can foster, including teamwork, resilience, discipline and mutual respect, and the role rowing can play in bringing people and cultures together.

World Rowing Youth Commission Chair Axel Muller also welcomed the opportunity for young rowers to discover new places, meet people from different backgrounds and learn about new traditions, helping to build greater international understanding through sport.

The 2026 Nanjing International Universities Rowing Open concluded with a celebration of university rowing and the connections it can create, with the Qinhuai River providing a memorable backdrop for two days of racing and international exchange.