BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Beijing Olympics' canoe/kayak events on flatwater kicked off in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Monday, marking the start of a six-day-long fight for 12 gold medals on the flatwater.

    The park has just witnessed slalom races and 14 rowing events, in which China snatched its first-ever gold medal in rowing at Olympics.

    Flatwater races at Olympics feature a total of 12 boat classes. Some 248 paddlers from 50 countries and regions will compete in the events. China has qualified for races of 11 events at the park.

    Flatwater races of canoe/kayak fall into two categories, men's events and those for women. Women only enter kayak contests in three boat classes on 500-meter races.

    Canoeing has a long history in European countries. On May 16, 1934, the International Olympic Committee approved canoeing's entry to the Olympic Games, and the first appearance was at the 11th Olympic Games held in Berlin in 1936. Germany and Hungary have been deemed powerhouses in the events.