Swimmer Zhang Zhanshuo of Shandong team competes at the National Games on November 15, 2025 in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: VCG

The roars inside the aquatics venues of the ongoing National Games have been deafening, matching the intensity of the competitions in the water. 

In Shenzhen, 18-year-old Zhang Zhanshuo of the Shandong team won three gold medals, while rising star Yu Zidi of Hebei shattered a 13-year-old Asian record in the women's 200m individual medley. 

In Guangzhou, diving competitions presented a contrasting yet equally compelling display, as seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers shared the stage, underscoring both China's dominance and its deep reservoir of emerging talent.

The National Games, held for the first time across Greater Bay Area, has become not only a collection of elite aquatics, but also a showcase of regional cooperation, sustainable planning and community-driven vision, said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam. 

"The National Games has been a great success, and we have been thrilled watching the athletes produce spectacular performances in the aquatics competitions," Al Musallam told the Global Times after attending an awarding ceremony at the National Games.

Al Musallam views the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao co-hosting model as a forward-looking experiment. 

"They have showcased an innovative, collaborative and inclusive model using the world-class facilities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, an approach which we are adopting for future World Aquatics competitions," he said. 

Regional integration 

Beyond the performances themselves, Al Musallam also praised the organizational efforts and the smooth coordination that made the multi-city format possible.

While the scale of distributing events across three regions represented a logistical challenge, Al Musallam said the infrastructure and delivery exceeded expectations. 

"The excellent connectivity and coordination across the region have provided a strong foundation for hosting an event of this scale," he noted. "By working together, they have delivered a world-class competition for athletes, fans and all attendees, while ensuring smooth logistics and athlete services throughout."

This cross-regional format is, in his view, not just practical but also strategic. 

"The cross-regional format of the National Games is an excellent model for inclusivity and a shared benefit," he told the Global Times, noting that such an approach not only distributes opportunities more widely, but also deepens local engagement, an essential ingredient for the long-term growth of aquatic sports.

Sustainability at the forefront

Sustainability has emerged as a defining theme of the 2025 edition of the National Games, and Al Musallam emphasized how closely this aligns with World Aquatics' own priorities. 

"The National Games is setting a very positive example when it comes to sustainability," he told the Global Times, underscoring the event integrates low-carbon transport, energy-efficient venues, and a push toward carbon neutrality.

"The organizers have clearly placed environmental responsibility at the heart of their planning," he said, calling it "a historic milestone" that reflects China's commitment to linking sports development with long-term environmental goals.

The careful planning behind the National Games, from sustainability to logistics, also set the stage for broader benefits, connecting communities and inspiring future generations.

"An event like the National Games showcases China's hospitality and the vibrancy of its culture," Al Musallam said. "They strengthen China's appeal as both a sporting nation and a welcoming nation."

"We are deeply appreciative of the commitment shown by everyone involved in delivering such an outstanding event here," he said. "It's a wonderful reflection of how sports can bring people together." 

For Al Musallam, elite performance is only one part of the picture. Equally crucial is how major events can connect with communities and build pathways for future generations. 

"World Aquatics is committed to ensuring our events deliver lasting benefits beyond the water," he told the Global Times. 

He emphasized that regional integration and community engagement "help to inspire broader participation in aquatic sports and create a stronger, more integrated pathway for the development of tomorrow's athletes and fans."

He said that he witnessed, during his visit, firsthand how aquatic sports unite and empower communities. 

"[Empowering communities] can be seen here at the National Games and is a fantastic basis on which to continue the growth of aquatics in China," he said. 

Seeing elite athletes compete in their own cities can motivate local residents to train, learn water safety, and live more active lives, Al Musallam said. 

World Aquatics President Husain al Musallam Photo: Courtesy of World Aquatics

'China doesn't need much advice'

With the success of the National Games, China's standing in global aquatics has become increasingly prominent, prompting questions about how the country might further leverage these achievements.

Asked what guidance he might offer Chinese aquatics authorities for maximizing the long-term impact of this groundbreaking edition of the Games, Al Musallam said, "I don't think China needs much advice. The success of its events and its athletes already speak volumes." 

"I would simply encourage the continuation of what is already being done so well - creating opportunities for young people to engage with aquatic sports, ensuring athletes have access to high-quality facilities and establishing a framework for future successful events," he said. 

Beijing will host the short-course swimming championships in 2026, followed by the 2029 World Aquatics Championships in the same city, marking another major step in China's engagement with international aquatics. 

Al Musallam believes such events can fuel a powerful ripple effect. 

"I am sure these events will inspire more young people in China to participate in aquatics sports and help to create the stars of the future," he said.