Wu Yibing, a Hangzhou native, competes at the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open last September. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, is set for a dynamic sporting year, with over 260 major events planned.

They include more than 16 international and over 38 national-level competitions, according to a news conference hosted by the municipal government on March 10.

Highlights include the tussle between the China and Australia national soccer teams scheduled for late March for the Asian section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Others include the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open, a men's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts, set for September and the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in December – a treat for all badminton fans worldwide.

The city is also strengthening its ties with global sports organizations. As part of that, it has introduced signature events like the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, the premier sevens tournament for rugby in Asia and the member unions, as well as the Asian Karate Championships, the highest level of competition for sport karate in Asia.

Community-focused competitions, including the super Saturday games, the Village Basketball Association or Village BA games and the Qiantang river crossing event, will continue.

Building on its top 50 global sports city ranking, Hangzhou is expanding post-Asian Games initiatives with 1,800 new sports facilities, 150 kilometers of scenic trails and increased public access to venues. It also aims to develop a national football reform model.

Players jostle for the basketball during a Village BA game in Xiaoshan district. [Photo/Xiaoshan Daily]