Hangzhou releases its 2026 sports calendar on Feb 2. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

Hangzhou released its 2026 sports calendar on Feb 2, outlining a packed year of competitions as the city advances its post-Asian Games push since 2023 to become a leading international sports hub.

The first batch includes over 200 events at district level and above, with more than 40 international and national tournaments scheduled throughout the year.

The announcement follows a record-breaking 2025, when Hangzhou hosted 616 major events, including 34 international and 107 national-level competitions, both historic highs. The city ranked third nationwide in the Global Sports City Index for a third consecutive year and remained in the global top 50 for a second year.

Key highlights this year include the National Swimming Championships in June, the BWF World Tour Finals in December, which are being held here for a fourth straight year, the Hangzhou Open (ATP 250) in September, and multiple world-class events in fencing, cycling, shooting, rowing and equestrian sports.

Signature local events such as the Hangzhou Marathon series and the Grand Canal Canoe Marathon will continue to expand citywide.

By integrating elite competitions, grassroots sports and local branding, Hangzhou aims to build a full-coverage events ecosystem and reach new heights as an international city of sports.

The National Swimming Championships in June is one of the highlights of 2026. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]