Swimming enthusiasts in Qingdao will get the chance to have close contact with their idols as the city prepares itself to hold the National Swimming Championships from Mar 24 to 31.

The eight-day event will be held at the Qingdao Sport Center where the National Swimming Championships was held previously in 2017. As of now 25 teams have signed up for the contest. It is estimated that more than 1,300 people, including athletes, referees, journalists, sponsors, and guests will enter the event.

A statement organizing committee revealed that Olympic champions Sun Yang and Ye Shiwen, world champion Xu Jiayu, and well-known swimmers Fu Yuanhui, Yu Hexin, and Liu Xiang will take part in the event. Wang Jianjiahe, a 16-year-old female swimmer who has broken Asian records three times, as well as Shandong athletes Yang Junxuan and Ji Xinjie will also participate.   

According to the official agenda, Sun Yang, the most popular swimmer in China, will take part in 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle. Sun was the champion of the 400m freestyle race at the championships held at the Qingdao Sport Center in 2017.

The opening ceremony for the championships will see a spectacular light show.  A professional team has also been invited to create a dance show for the event. Audiences will also have a chance to have close contact with the athletes at the ceremony.

A news conference is held on March 12 to detail the upcoming National Swimming Championships which will be held from Mar 24 to 31 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/iqilu.com] 

Three-time Olympic champion Sun Yang will take part in the event held from Mar 24 to 31 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/IC]