The Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

In an ambitious move to solidify its status as a hub of sporting events, Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, is set to host more than 450 sporting events this year. This comprehensive plan encompasses a diverse range of competitions, including nearly 100 international and national-level sporting events.

One of the highlights will be the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals, a prestigious badminton event slated for mid-December at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium.

Furthermore, the first International Super Cup of Canoe and Kayak is scheduled to take place in early October at the Fuyang Water Sports Center, attracting top athletes from around the world.

Hangzhou will also play host to the 2024 World Drone Racing Championship from October to November. This thrilling competition is expected to attract over 200 elite racers from more than 30 countries and regions, showcasing the city's commitment to pioneering sports.

In addition to these headline events, Hangzhou will witness the staging of nearly a hundred high-level competitions involving 35 sports, including football, basketball and volleyball.

In February, Hangzhou released its three-year plan (2024-26) to accelerate its development into an international sports event hub.

Xu Jianfeng, deputy director of the Hangzhou sports bureau, said that the city will optimize and upgrade its management system, operational models, and support measures for sporting events. The city’s long-term vision involves gradually establishing a market-oriented operation mechanism for sporting events, Xu said.