China is set to reclaim its position on the international athletics stage with the return of the esteemed World Athletics Diamond League. After a notable absence of four years, Xiamen, located in Southeast China’s Fujian Province, has been chosen as the host city for a meeting of this iconic athletic series, as revealed in a recent press conference in Beijing. This event, slated for September 2, 2023, is a testament to China’s commitment to fostering and celebrating global athletics excellence.
The centerpiece for this grand athletic showdown is Xiamen’s state-of-the-art Egret Stadium. Not just any venue, this newly erected stadium will have the distinction of hosting the sole Diamond League event in China for 2023. The competition promises to be an intense spectacle with athletes going head-to-head in 13 disciplines. Notably, the men’s 110m hurdle is poised to be the day’s thrilling climax, ensuring a riveting experience for all spectators.
China’s homegrown athletic talents are eager to compete on home soil and showcase their prowess to a global audience. Among those representing the country with distinction will be Feng Bin, the women’s discus champion from the 2022 World’s Athletics Championships, and Zhu Yaming, who clinched a silver medal in the men’s triple jump at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Their participation augments the significance of the Xiamen event, offering a blend of international competition and national pride.
Furthermore, this 2023 gathering isn’t a one-off occurrence. In an exciting development announced during the press conference, Xiamen will be the proud host of the Diamond League events for an entire decade, starting from 2023. This long-term commitment amplifies China’s dedication to the global athletics community and ensures that fans can look forward to top-tier competitions for years to come.
The Diamond League itself has an illustrious history. Established in 2010, this series represents the pinnacle of track and field competitions. An annual gathering, it comprises 14 exclusive invitational athletics meetings spread across the globe, drawing the crème de la crème of the athletic world. The current 14th edition kicked off in the vibrant city of Doha, Qatar, on May 5. As the series progresses, participants and fans alike eagerly await this year’s Diamond League Final, set to unfold in Eugene, US, come September.
China’s re-entry into this elite circle through Xiamen’s hosting opportunity serves as a reaffirmation of the nation’s prominence in global athletics. As preparations intensify and anticipation builds, the world awaits an unforgettable athletic extravaganza in Xiamen come September.
READ MORE: