After a successful 2019 working together, the ICF will continue to have access to Huya.tv, one of China's most popular streaming services and watched by sports fans across the country.

Canoe sprint, slalom, marathon and stand-up paddling events in 2019 were broadcast using the service, including events inside and outside the country.

The new deal means the upcoming ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup events in Tacen in Slovenia and Pau in France will be streamed live on Huya, with a replay of the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup in Szeged in Hungary also available.

"Over 30.1 million viewers were attracted to watch the digital broadcast of ICF canoe and kayak events in 2019 aired on the Huya and Planet Canoe channel," said Julia Yang Zhenyi, H&A Media account director.

"H&A Media team are working closely with China Canoeing Association (CCA), professional coaches and commentators and Huya to create a tailor-made broadcast for the market.  

"We are delighted to return to broadcast in China as the sport builds audiences, leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and beyond."

ICF digital media manager Adam Collins added that the partnership will provide major benefits for the sport.

"Last year we tested the water to see how popular canoeing would be with Chinese sport fans, and the results were incredible," he added.

"The CCA is one of our hardest working federations, has hosted several of our major events, and will host many more in the coming years. 

"Our partnership with H&A Media will build on the work the CCA is doing to grow canoeing throughout China."

China has won two Olympic titles in canoeing from Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Both were won by the pairing of Yang Wenjun and Meng Guanliang in the C2 500 metres.