The shimmering waters of Atlantis Sanya’s Ambassador Lagoon served as the breathtaking backdrop for a momentous event: the 2024 China Mermaid Open Grand Final and the inaugural Asian Cup for mermaid sports. Held from December 12th to 13th, this competition marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of this unique and visually stunning discipline, showcasing its growing international appeal and professionalization.
More than 70 elite athletes representing Mainland China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Chinese Taipei converged to compete for the coveted titles of Annual Champion and the inaugural Asian Cup Champion. The Ambassador Lagoon, with its 13,500 tonnes of pristine seawater and an impressive 11-meter depth, provided the perfect stage for these talented athletes to showcase their grace, skill, and artistry. Spectators were treated to unparalleled views through a massive 16.5-meter-wide, 10-meter-high high-transparency acrylic panel, offering an incredibly intimate perspective on the mesmerizing underwater performances.
This prestigious event represents the culmination of a decade-long journey for mermaid sports in China. Since its inception by the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the China Mermaid Open has grown significantly, shaping a robust competitive system that has propelled mermaid diving into a prominent position both domestically and internationally. Each year, the tournaments attract not only seasoned professionals but also captivate audiences with a captivating blend of athleticism and artistic expression.
The event was a collaborative effort, jointly hosted by a prestigious group of organizations: the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the China Water Ski, Underwater & Powerboat Federation, the Asian Underwater Federation, and the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports. Fosun Tourism Group played a key role in its organization, alongside the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports, and Hainan Atlantis Commerce and Tourism Development Co., Ltd., Atlantis Sanya, with support provided by the Haitang District Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports.
Fosun Tourism Group CEO Bao Jiangjun highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “We are honored to once again host this prestigious international event at Atlantis Sanya. Mermaid diving, a perfect fusion of sport and art, breathes new life into the development of high-quality tourism. We are committed to integrating tourism with sports, culture, and entertainment, creating innovative experiences for cultural and sports tourism.” Heiko Roeder, Managing Director of Atlantis Sanya, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the positive synergy between the event and the tourism industry, further solidifying Hainan’s reputation as a leading sports tourism destination.
Atlantis Sanya’s role in hosting the Mermaid Open for four consecutive years underscores its commitment to fostering the growth of this unique sport. The venue has become a central hub for global mermaid diving competitions, witnessing firsthand the remarkable progress and increasing international recognition of this captivating discipline. Looking forward, Atlantis Sanya aims to strengthen its partnerships with international sports organizations to attract even more high-profile competitions, contributing to the advancement of Hainan’s sports tourism industry and aligning with China’s national strategies for sports development and public health.
