The second leg of the National Rowing Championship and the test event for the 15th National Games concluded at the Guangdong International Rowing Center on May 25.

The dragon boat race is underway. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Twenty-two representative teams from across the country, comprising 672 athletes on 271 rowing boats, competed fiercely in 16 events over the course of three days.

The Guangdong team delivered a stunning performance in the men's lightweight double sculls event. Despite trailing in the 500m and 1,000m races, they showcased remarkable teamwork and staged a comeback, clinching the first gold medal of the competition.

The event attracted top talent, including champions from the Tokyo Olympics, as well as World and Asian Games. The races were conducted on a 1,500m course, identical to the one used in the National Games rowing competition, serving both as a qualification event and a test competition.

After intense competition, both the Guangdong and Shandong teams topped the medal table with two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals each.

This event serves as a crucial test in the run-up to the Los Angeles Olympics and the 15th National Games.