The 2025 Asia-Pacific Disc Golf Open attracts over 120 athletes from countries like Finland, Norway, Canada, and the United States. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Athletes from around the world competed in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Disc Golf Open at Yinzhou Academician Park in Ningbo on Nov 22, highlighting the sport's growing international appeal.

Disc golf — where players aim to reach metal target baskets across 9 to 18 holes while navigating natural obstacles — has a global following of 14 million and recently became an official World Games sport, marking its rise as a professional, international discipline.

The two-day competition featured 13 divisions, including professional, youth, and amateur categories, combining high-level competition with broader efforts to promote disc golf. Certified B-tier by both the Professional Disc Golf Association and the China Disc Golf Championship, the event also contributed to global rankings.

Alongside the competition, a disc-themed market offered interactive experiences, local food, creative products, and leading sports brands, transforming the park into a lively hub for both sports fans and visitors.

Ningbo also hosted an emerging sports industry innovation forum at the University of Nottingham Ningbo, bringing together experts and industry leaders to discuss sports commercialization, AI-assisted training, and smart campus athletics.