The International Festival of Extreme Sports (FISE) World Series Shanghai concluded at the West Bund on Sunday, attracting top athletes from 29 countries and regions for passionate competitions while attracting growing fandom to explore the intriguing sport.
FISE, recognized as the world's biggest comprehensive extreme sports event, featured competitions in six disciplines in Shanghai, including freestyle BMX, skateboarding, and rock climbing. To mark its first appearance in Shanghai, FISE's arena designer Pascal Morrasse-Raymond added Chinese elements into competition fields.
"I want to make every venue distinctive. And I am quite fond of China's history and culture," said Raymond. With the competitions unfolding, the West Bund also hosted a FISE carnival featuring six themes, covering family activities, camping, music, and more, providing both athletes and residents with recreations beyond sports.
"I was here to compete and expected only a competition field. I have no idea that there are so many things to have fun. I am pleasantly surprised," said Yu Wentao, an athlete.
"There are quite many engaging activities, and different varieties of sports and competitions are also attractive," said Zhu Jingyi, a local resident.
The FISE extreme sports festival and the following recreations are part of the West Bund's broader initiative to enhance its influence and promote coordinated development, introduced Chen Anda, the man in charge of the event.
"The comprehensive development of the West Bund, encompassing commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and exhibition, was finally completed with the addition of 'sports' this year. In addition to the influence of the event on the build-up area, we expect that we could lead the southward development of the Xuhui District West Bund area with sports events," said Chen.
Global extreme sports event in Shanghai creates new recreational space
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
