In 2026, Huai'an will make efforts to build a matrix of characteristic brand events from three levels: high-end, characteristic, and public participation.

The city strives to make its high-end events more influential. Huai'an is enhancing its city level by hosting high-end events and endeavors to expand the popularity and reputation of these events. According to preliminary statistics, the city plans to host more than 60 events at or above the municipal level throughout the year, including 1 international event (2026 Huai'an Marathon) with high standards, and undertake several national events such as the National Youth Trampoline Championships and the 2026 China Freediving Open with high quality. It also has high requirements for organizing provincial events such as the 2026 Jiangsu Football City League, the 2026 Jiangsu City Basketball League, and the 2026 Jiangsu Youth Women's Hockey Championship.

The city will leverage the canal's influence to develop characteristic events. Huai'an will thoroughly explore the cultural resources of the Grand Canal and create characteristic event IPs centered on "sports + canal." It will host the high-quality Grand Canal Cycling Series (Huai'an Lianshui Station), the Grand Canal Power Board Series (Huai'an Hongze Station), the first Jiangsu "Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Cup" Traditional Martial Arts Exchange Competition, and other characteristic theme events. By using events to connect cultural, commercial, tourism, and sports resources along the canal, Huai'an is expected to revitalize regional development and deepen the integration of sports with culture, tourism, and commerce.

Huai'an will make such events benefit more people. Benchmarking the "Joyful Huai'an" series, Huai'an will vigorously carry out national fitness sports activities and regularly hold people-oriented events, such as "National Fitness Day" and community sports games. It will continue to promote programs such as "Football in Parks," make sports facilities accessible in primary communities, and stimulate people's fitness enthusiasm. Through national events, Huai'an will ignite the enthusiasm of the people for fitness and lay a solid foundation for the sports population.