The Pingtan Kiteboard Association was established on Wednesday.

It is a non-profit social organization consisting of professional kiteboard athletes, coaches and amateurs. Its goal is to promote the sport in China, providing kiteboard training services and holding competitions at domestic and international levels.

The last leg of the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) will kick off in Pingtan on May 8 and will last for four days. More than 100 contestants from over 20 countries are expected to compete during the five-day event. Pingtan will also host the Global Kiteboard Tour in October this year.

Pingtan will try to make kiteboarding a brand sport in the region, said Zhai Dahui, president of the association.

"Last May, Pingtan held the KTA event successfully. Through the competition, Pingtan's beach and wind resources have been highly recognized by kiteboard lovers at home and abroad," he said. "I hope the sport of kiteboard will help Pingtan win more accolades."

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai