So what if Ding Liren loses the World Chess Championship crown on Thursday?
On the day the Chinese world champion handed over his title to Indian teenager D Gukesh, Ding’s pioneering countrymen moved to unveil the 2024 edition of China’s Mermaid Open finals (or underwater) with a first-of-its-kind Asia Cup event.
Within three years of a single activity in pursuit of a Guinness World Record at the Atlantis Sanya Resort on Hainan Island, China’s mermaid fascination has evolved into a continental competition, involving more than 70 athletes from 10 nations, including South Korea. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
Competitions are held inside the giant aquarium, Ambassador Lagoon, an Atlantis resort that spans five Olympic-sized swimming pools.
For those unconvinced of the literal depth of the sport, the China Mermaid Open has gradually flourished over 10 open competitions under the authority of the Water Sports Administration Center of China’s General Administration of Sports. According to China Daily, the body has “established a strong mermaid competition system in China that has gained international prominence”.
The 2024 China Mermaid Open Grand Final and the inaugural Asia Cup officially kicked off on Thursday at the Atlantis Sanya in Henan, marking an exciting day of competition.
Chinese athletes have emerged as shining stars, showcasing their prowess in individual and team competitions. pic.twitter.com/G7jc2akrjg
— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) December 13, 2024
On April 28, 2021, 100 mermaids took to the waters of the Atlantis Aquarium and broke the Guinness World Record for the largest underwater mermaid show to mark the resort’s third anniversary.
Mermaid diving
“Freediving beginners usually wear bi-fins, which enable both legs to move alternately, but a mermaid’s tail binds both legs together so they cannot move freely,” said Dada Li, one of China’s leading mermaid divers. CNN Travel.
“Instead, we should move our stomachs and hips like dolphins. It takes practice to make this movement as smooth and graceful as a real mermaid.”
Li, who has also served as China’s ambassador to global diving organization PADI, was instrumental in the development of professional mermaid diving in China. According to CNN, Lee founded a professional mermaid diving team in 2015 for aquariums and aquatic programs.
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