IAAF Diamond League in Shanghai on May 18
The 2019 IAAF Diamond League will be held at Shanghai Stadium on May 18. To mark the event's 10th year, local organizers are holding a series of peripheral activities and competitions to get more amateur athletes and residents involved.
A Mini Diamond Open will be held at the indoor stadium of Shanghai University of Sport on May 11. The event is expected to attract more than 800 amateur athletes from Shanghai and other cities to compete in various track and field disciplines.
According to organizers, the 60-meter race is among the most popular events and registration for it was like a competition of speed itself. Top finishers will take part in warmup competitions at Shanghai Stadium before the start of the main meet.
Apart from the Open, a Mini Diamond Sports Meet will involve more young participants. The meet will be held from 11am to 4:40pm at Shanghai University of Sport's football ground, which is open to all citizens. Ten competition disciplines suitable for children and youngsters have been set, including standing long jump, solid sphere, mini javelin, rope skipping, plank, etc.
Organizers said the peripheral activities are meant to create a sporty phenomenon for the annual elite track and field meet. Shanghai first hosted the IAAF Golden League in 2005. In 2010, the event was upgraded to Diamond League. This year, Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian, the co-holder of the 100-meter Asian record, will be the leading competitor in the top sprint race. His opponents include American Christian Coleman, the 100 and 200 double silver medalist at the 2017 world championships.
To attract more spectators, organizers have introduced 50-80 yuan (US$7.4-12) low-price tickets for the Diamond League this year. Those interested can log on to the official ticket selling website www.jusstickets.com for more information.
