Quannan, Jiangxi hosts Asian climbing contest

The World Climbing Asia Youth Series Quannan 2026 got underway on Thursday in Quannan county, East China's Jiangxi province.

A total of 174 athletes and 38 coaches and team officials from eight delegations have registered for the four-day competition to represent the Chinese mainland, the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, Singapore, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan.

Running through Sunday, the competition features men's and women's events in boulder, lead and speed for the U15 and U17 age groups.

Zhong Qixin, a Quannan native who won men's speed titles at four consecutive World Championships between 2007 and 2012, is now head coach of China's national speed climbing team. He said the competition offers young athletes valuable international experience.

"China is now strong in climbing overall, and our young athletes have also been performing well," Zhong said.

"I hope they will continue to work hard, cherish every competition and perform to the best of their abilities."

Zhong said competing directly against high-level climbers from other parts of Asia would help the athletes gain experience before moving into senior competition.

"Some of the athletes they meet here may become their opponents in the future," he said.

He also praised the venue and the organization of the competition, saying a professional team and a well-presented venue allow athletes to enjoy the event and perform at their best.