The annual capital dragon boat race will be held on February 16th and 17th in West Lake, at Lý Tự Trọng Statue Garden, Thanh Niên Road, and Nguyễn Đình Thi Street in Tây Hồ District, said a representative of Hà Nội People’s Committee Department of Culture and Sports.
According to the organising board, the race attracts 35 teams from 25 domestic and international delegations, with 500 athletes competing in standard 12-person boat races for a distance of 600 metres.
During the two days of the festival, teams will be divided into professional amateur categories.
Professional teams include international delegations from five countries and territories: mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos and Hong Kong.
Non-professional teams consist of district, provincial and township delegations and competitors from embassies, agencies and enterprises, in both men’s and women’s categories. The qualifying round will be held on February 16 and final round held the next day.
According to Lê Trường Giang, representative of Vietnam Airlines and deputy of the organizing board, this activity is being held as part of the co-operation agreement between the Hà Nội People’s Committee and the airline, which is designed to develop culture, sport and tourism in the capital city.
“The race will help restore and preserve this traditional sport and promote the city’s culture and history to attract tourists,” Giang said “It also creates a playground for boat racing lovers”.
Source: vietnamnews.vn
