According to the organizing 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 meters.    

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.

VNA’s dragon boat team is ready to race.

Non-professional teams consist of district, provincial and township delegations and competitors from embassies, agencies and enterprises (including VNA), in both men’s and women’s categories. The qualifying round will be held on February 16 and final round held the next day.

Mr. Lê Trường Giang (on the left), representative of VNA and deputy of the organising board at the Dragon Boat Festival Press Conference

According to Lê Trường Giang, representative of VNA and deputy of the organising 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.”

Cre: Vietnamnews