The 2016 ISAF Sailing World Cup will shortly kick off in the coastal city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. There will be 201 athletes from 37 countries and regions participating in the event being held from Sept 20 to 25.

It is the fourth time for the city to host the international event. As the point race for the Olympic Games due to be held in Tokyo in 2020, the 2016 ISAF Sailing World Cup will be an opportunity for sailors to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

The seven-day competition includes 10 races, the same number as will be held at the Tokyo Olympics.

Ji Gaoshang, director of the city's sports bureau, said successes in 2013, 2014 and 2015, solidified Qingdao's reputation as a world renowned sailing city. The city also gained recognition from the ISAF and Chinese Yachting Association.

Carlo Croce, chairman of the ISAF, said that the Sailing World Cup held in Qingdao would promote the development of sailing as a sport in China. It has so far played a leading role in Asian sailing sports.