International Students Embrace Water Sports to Discover Ningbo’s Charm

On August 10, four international students, hailing from Malaysia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe, visited the Ningbo Water (Swimming) Sports School to discover the charm of Ningbo through water sports, immersing themselves in the excitement of the upcoming 19th Asian Games.

After their arrival, the students first learned about Ningbo’s history of water sports. Then, eager to step out of their comfort zone, they boldly embraced their first ever canoe-paddling experience. At first, it seemed like a daunting challenge, compounded by the scorching weather: could they conquer their inner fears and paddle like true athletes?

International students learning the basics of canoe-paddling.

After a basic course on paddling skills and arm strength from one of the schools’ instructors, our adventurous guests put on their life jackets, took a deep breath, gingerly sat down in their canoes, and started paddling. At first, they focused their gaze forward, hesitant to look too far ahead, cautiously controlling their vessel. But just after a few minutes’ practice, all of them began feeling more comfortable and fell in love with the sport, all the while relishing the refreshing lake breeze. Some of them even taught themselves to do the slalom drill! 

Students happily rowing canoes down the lake.

“I was scared at first, to be honest. But after following the instructions, I did it very well!” said Pirah Ayaz from Pakistan, who has been living in China for five years and is studying for a PhD in Hangzhou, the host the 19th Asian Games and a neighboring city to Ningbo. This was her first attempt at water sports and first visit to Ningbo. “Ningbo is a good city, surrounded by islands and waters. We enjoyed it a lot!”

The experience was equally novel and inspiring for Shaun Tatenda Kudiwa from Zimbabwe, “It was amazing, a beautiful feeling that I’ve never felt before!” Shaun is a badminton enthusiast who has been studying in China for more than three years. He couldn’t stop smiling as he gushed about his newfound skill and love for Ningbo, “I would always associate Ningbo with water sports and the kindness of its people!” 

The coastal city of Ningbo has long been a cradle of water sports champions. The Ningbo Water (Swimming) Sports School, specializing in the education of swimming, sailing, rowing and canoeing, plays a key role in cultivating top athletes. To date, the school counts at least 17 water sports gold medalists among its alumni, including the legendary Olympic gold medalist Wang Shun, world junior record setter in women’s 200m individual medley Yu Yiting, world champions He Cihong, Le Ying, Xing Song, and Asian Games medalists Zhu Ziqiang, Chen Hao, and Ding Yanjie. The list of graduates who have clinched world titles, Asian Games titles and national titles is even longer. 

“Sportsmanship, a desire for relentless progress, and holistic development are the three ingredients to making an outstanding athlete out of an ordinary individual,” revealed Shi Feicun, principal of the School and a basketball enthusiast. “We will continue to produce elite water sports professionals for our country.” 

Four students from the School, along with many other Ningbo athletes, have been selected to compete in this year’s Asian Games, which will kick off on September 23 and last until October 8. As a co-host city of Asian Games, Ningbo welcomes everyone to partake in the excitement of this grand sporting event!

Journalist: Pan Wenjie

Photos: Jiang Hanxin

Proofreader: Zhao Qingchuan