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The China Mermaid Open Grand Final kicked off Wednesday in Sanya, Hainan Province, blending underwater artistry with cultural storytelling. As part of the inaugural Asian Cup, the event has drawn top athletes from countries and regions including China, South Korea, and Thailand, turning the tropical city into a stage for aquatic athleticism.
Monkey King Makes a Splash
Chinese mermaid athlete Guo Ke revealed his ‘Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven’ routine to CGTN Sports Scene. ‘I wanted to prove men can rock mermaid tails too,’ said Guo, who spent seven years perfecting gravity-defying moves inspired by the golden staff-wielding legend. His performance aims to ‘showcase China’s cultural heritage through sport.’
From Aquariums to Competitions
South Korea’s Sera Hong, a third-time competitor, shared how mermaid diving changed her life: ‘I saw a show and instantly knew – this is my calling.’ Meanwhile, organizers praised Sanya’s year-round tropical climate as ideal for boosting awareness of water sports across Asia.
A New Wave for Aquatic Sports
Heidi Perez Cao Jorge Ova of the China Water Sports Administration highlighted the event’s ripple effect: ‘It’s not just about medals – it’s about inspiring the next generation to dive into oceans, pools, and new possibilities.’
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
As part of the inaugural Asian Cup, the event has drawn top athletes from countries and regions including China, South Korea, and Thailand, turning the tropical city into a stage for aquatic athleticism.
‘I wanted to prove men can rock mermaid tails too,’ said Guo, who spent seven years perfecting gravity-defying moves inspired by the golden staff-wielding legend. His performance aims to ‘showcase China’s cultural heritage through sport.’
Meanwhile, organizers praised Sanya’s year-round tropical climate as ideal for boosting awareness of water sports across Asia.
