Asian Games Rowing Venue Inspection: Delegation Analyzes Data from Former World Championships

(Central News Agency reporter Li Jian-zhong, Nagoya, 24th) The Nagoya Asian Games inspection delegation visited the rowing competition venue today. Although no temporary facilities have been set up yet, the river appeared to have calm winds and waves. Lin Zhan-wei, Secretary General of the Chinese Taipei Rowing Association, stated that this venue hosted the World Championships in 2005, and the delegation will discuss the collected data with coaches upon returning to Taiwan. The rowing events for the Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled at the Nagara River International Regatta Course on the border of Aichi Prefecture. The overall environment here is similar to the Dongshan River in Yilan, Taiwan, except that the wind and waves are smaller and extremely calm; it is also open for public rowing experiences. The Taiwan rowing team has won 4 silver and 2 bronze medals in past Asian Games, but failed to medal in the last Hangzhou Games. This year, they plan to send 3 female athletes to compete in the open categories for single and double sculls. Lin Zhan-wei mentioned in an interview that he is very grateful to the Ministry of Sports and the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee for allowing the association to experience the wind direction, water current, and other information of this outdoor venue in advance, enabling the coaching team and athletes to study tactics early. He revealed that this waterway held the World Championships in 2005, and the association has already mastered boat speeds, wind directions, etc., through competition videos from that time. Lin analyzed that the crosswinds at this waterway are slightly stronger, and the relative humidity will be higher during the September Asian Games, which might accelerate lactic acid buildup in athletes; this part needs to be strengthened in training and coordinated with sports science. Regarding the team's status, Lin said the athletes are currently participating in the Asia Cup in Korea, are expected to go to Europe for 2 months of high-intensity training in May, and will finally return to Taiwan for final adjustments.