The first Asian Jumping Championships, the fourth Belt and Road Track and Field Invitational, and the third leg of the 2026 National Athletics Grand Prix kicked off on May 18 in Changshou District, Chongqing. The event attracted 552 athletes from 23 countries and regions, including Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, and Singapore.
The inaugural Asian Jumping Championships represent a newly created top-level specialty event by the Asian Athletics Association, serving as the highest competitive stage for jumping events in Asia and marking a step toward professionalization and internationalization in Asian track and field.
Open to all member associations of the Asian Athletics Association, the championships feature eight official events: men’s and women’s long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault. So far, a total of 181 participants from 18 countries and regions have registered.
Among Chinese athletes, sprint Asian Games champion Chen Jiapeng, women’s 100-meter hurdler Lin Yuwei, women’s hurdler Mo Jiadie, women’s pole vaulter Niu Chunge, and women’s high jumper Lu Jiawen will all compete. On the international side, Olympic champion and Qatari high jump star Mutaz Essa Barshim, along with other top-level athletes, has confirmed participation.
During the two-day competition, the combined events—the first Asian Jumping Championships, the fourth Belt and Road Track and Field Invitational, and the third leg of the 2026 National Athletics Grand Prix—will feature 16 men’s events, 16 women’s events, and one mixed event, totaling 33 events.
The organizing committee stated that the event strictly adheres to international standards. It is free and open to the public, with live streaming throughout. Concurrently, local cultural, sports, and tourism activities are being held, using a “sports plus” model to promote the integration of sports with culture and tourism.
Changshou District
Changshou District is a district in Chongqing, China, named after the Changshou Lake area. Historically, it was established as a county during the Tang Dynasty (around 619 AD) and later became a district in 2001. Today, it is known for its scenic lake, cultural heritage, and as an important industrial and agricultural hub in the region.
Chongqing
Chongqing is a major city in southwestern China known for its mountainous terrain and strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Historically, it served as the provisional capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and has since grown into a key economic and industrial hub. Today, it is famous for its spicy hotpot cuisine, vibrant night scenery, and the cultural heritage of the Ba-Yu region.
Belt and Road
The “Belt and Road” is a major global infrastructure and economic development initiative proposed by China in 2013, officially known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It aims to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation through a network of land-based corridors (the “Belt”) and maritime routes (the “Road”), drawing inspiration from the ancient Silk Road trade routes. The initiative has since funded numerous projects in transportation, energy, and trade across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond, fostering economic integration and cultural exchange.
Changshou District
Changshou District is a district in the municipality of Chongqing, China, located along the Yangtze River. Its name means “longevity,” inspired by its historical association with health and long life, and it has a history dating back over 2,000 years to the Qin Dynasty.
Changshou District
Changshou District is a district of Chongqing, China, located along the Yangtze River. Historically known for its agricultural output and as a transportation hub, it has developed into a modern industrial area, particularly known for its chemical and steel industries. The district’s name, meaning “longevity,” reflects its cultural heritage and the region’s historical association with health and long life.
Chongqing
Chongqing is a major city in southwestern China, known for its dramatic mountainous landscape and its role as a key industrial and transportation hub. Historically, it served as the provisional capital of the Republic of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and has since grown into a sprawling municipality, famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine and the scenic Yangtze River cruises.
Belt and Road
The “Belt and Road” refers to China’s ambitious global infrastructure and economic development strategy, officially launched in 2013. It consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt (land routes) and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (sea routes), aiming to enhance trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Silk Road routes, the initiative promotes multilateral cooperation through investments in roads, ports, railways, and other projects.
Asian Athletics Association
The Asian Athletics Association (AAA) is the governing body for athletics in Asia, founded in 1973 to promote and develop the sport across the continent. It organizes major events such as the Asian Athletics Championships and oversees records and competitions for member nations. The AAA plays a key role in fostering athletic talent and cooperation among Asian countries.
Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, flowing over 6,300 kilometers through China. It has been a cradle of Chinese civilization for thousands of years, supporting agriculture, trade, and cultural development along its banks. Historically, the river served as a vital transportation route and a natural boundary between northern and southern China, with major cities like Shanghai and Nanjing emerging as key economic and political centers.
Jialing River
The Jialing River is a major tributary of the Yangtze River in southwestern China, flowing through the provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan before joining the Yangtze at Chongqing. Historically, it served as a vital transportation route for trade and cultural exchange, particularly during the ancient Shu and Ba kingdoms. The river’s name, meaning “Beautiful Mound,” reflects its scenic valleys and its role in shaping the region’s agricultural and urban development.
Silk Road
The Silk Road was a vast network of trade routes connecting East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, flourishing from around the 2nd century BCE to the 15th century CE. It facilitated the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious metals, as well as the spread of ideas, religions, and technologies across civilizations. Though the overland routes declined with maritime trade, the Silk Road remains a symbol of historical globalization and cultural interconnection.
Ba-Yu region
The Ba-Yu region refers to the historical and cultural area encompassing present-day Chongqing and its surrounding areas in southwestern China, named after the ancient Ba and Yu states. It has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years, serving as a strategic and cultural crossroads, particularly known for its role during the Warring States period and its distinctive folk traditions. Today, the region is celebrated for its spicy cuisine, rugged landscapes, and the legacy of the Ba people’s unique customs.
