Welcoming Guests in the Warmth of Spring, United in the Excitement of the Moment.
On March 21, the first competition day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 officially commenced. Over 500 elite athletes from more than 120 countries and regions gathered here for thrilling showdowns at the pinnacle of the sport.
As a world-class event held right at our doorstep, what does the venue look like? How is the live spectator experience? Let’s step into the “Nanjing’s Cube” and witness the grandeur of the event firsthand.
Inside the Arena, the Competition is Fierce; Outside, the Enthusiasm is Overflowing
Inside the stadium, athletes compete fiercely, constantly pushing their limits; outside, spectators cheer passionately, further fueling the excitement.
By 9 AM, long queues had already formed at the entrance of the “Nanjing’s Cube”. Many spectators arrived early to soak in the lively atmosphere. “Of course, we have to support our Jiangsu rising star, LIU Junxi! I hope he achieves great results in the upcoming competitions!” said WU, a student from Nanjing Forestry University, who had purchased tickets days in advance to cheer for his favorite athlete.
One of the most anticipated events of the morning was the men’s 60m first round. Sprinting star XIE Zhenye secured his place in the semifinals with a time of 6.64 seconds. As the starting gun fired, the stands erupted with cheers and chants.
“This is the charm of athletics! Athletes give their all on the track, while the audience passionately supports them. The atmosphere here is just incredible!” Mr. ZHANG, who brought his child to watch the event, was still brimming with excitement after the preliminary rounds. “This adrenaline rush is something you can only experience in person!”
Stepping outside the arena, many athletes expressed their love for Nanjing in media interviews. “Nanjing is a high-tech city. After my competition, I plan to explore the city and experience its unique atmosphere,” said Andy Díaz Hernández, the men’s triple jump champion. China’s ZHU Yaming, who won silver in the men’s triple jump final, expressed his fondness for Nanjing, saying that the city’s passionate fans and enthusiastic spectators added tremendous energy to the competition. “I especially love the atmosphere here. The audience’s enthusiasm gives me even more motivation to push myself,” said DENG Xinrui, a member of the Chinese athletics team.
Turning to the stands, the event mascot “Cedar” made frequent appearances, interacting and taking photos with the audience between competitions. “As the star of this event, ‘Cedar’ is just too adorable with its fluffy look!” said spectator HE while showing off a mascot plush toy she had purchased upon entering.
At the merchandise sales area near the spectator entrance, many fans stopped by to buy souvenirs. “Today, many young spectators specifically came for these popular items,” said Ms. ZHU, the store manager. The most sought-after products are refrigerator magnets featuring Nanjing landmarks, including Jiming Temple, the Great Bao’en Temple, and the beloved mascot “Cedar”.
In total, 28 limited-edition licensed products have been launched for the event, including mascot figurines, pins, fridge magnets, commemorative stamp booklets, and silk scarf gift sets, allowing athletes and spectators to take home memories of this grand sporting occasion.
A City Through the Lens of a World-Class Sporting Event
A premier international sports event serves as a window for the world to understand a city. Through the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25, what will the world see in Nanjing?
Strolling along the Qinhuai River, exploring the Confucius Temple, and visiting the Great Bao’en Temple - for first-time visitor Joel from the UK, Nanjing is undeniably a city rich in history and culture.
“I arrived a few days early to explore the city beyond the competition. The Confucius Temple left the deepest impression on me. Not only does it have a long history and unique cultural charm, but the night views in the surrounding area were also breathtaking,” Joel said. His trip has sparked a deeper interest in Chinese culture and history.
Nanjing’s charm extends beyond the sights. Within the competition venue, the event production team focused on bridging the gap between the competition floor and the stands, enhancing interactions between athletes and spectators.
“For the live music experience, we incorporated traditional Chinese elements such as folk music to energize the competition atmosphere while giving international guests a taste of our cultural heritage,” explained an official from the organizing committee.
Event services have also highlighted “Nanjing’s warmth”, with guidance for entry and exit, information desks, and lost-and-found services available on-site. Additionally, the metro system extended its operating hours during the event. On the evening of March 23, Line 10 will run until 11:40 PM, with shuttle buses added between Linjiang Station and the venue to ease congestion.
With its unique cultural and tourism appeal and its dedication to fan-friendly services, Nanjing is demonstrating the perfect synergy between a world-class sporting event and a vibrant city.
Over the next two days, more thrilling competitions will unfold, and Nanjing will continue to showcase its inclusiveness and enthusiasm, proving to the world that sports are not just about competition: they are a vivid expression of a city’s spirit.
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