The highest-level amateur windsurfing competition in China kicked off in Harbin on Aug 25, as part of a move to encourage mass participation in modern water sports.

The 2017 China (Harbin) International Windsurfing Competition, which runs over a five-day period, has three separate competitions: men’s, women’s, and a group contest.

This year’s event attracted around 200 surfers from Harbin who competed for medals, including competitors from the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan and South Korea.

Harbin was chosen as the host city due to its long history of water sports.

As early as the 19th century, the Russian workers responsible for the construction of the Zhongdong railways (two railways in the Northeast China region) had already established an association for water sports. From 1912 to 1915, the Zhongdong Railway Bureau established China’s first yacht club in Harbin, involving modern water sports such as rowing and windsurfing.

The amateur Harbin event is the largest and most professional competition, according to an official from Heilongjiang Sports Bureau.

A player competes at the 2017 China (Harbin) International Windsurfing Competition held in Harbin from Aug 25 to 29. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A player showcases his skills at the 2017 China (Harbin) International Windsurfing Competition held in Harbin from Aug 25 to 29. [Photo/MY399.COM]

Two players compete with each other at the 2017 China (Harbin) International Windsurfing Competition held in Harbin from Aug 25 to 29. [Photo/hlj.gov.cn]