VietNamNet Bridge – Authorities in the capital city have just approved a decision to organise annual traditional dragon boat races between 2019 and 2021.

The first dragon boat race was organised on West Lake in February gathering more than 400 athletes from 27 teams. – Photo soha.vn

The 2-day race will take place on the first weekend after the Lunar New Year holiday at Ly Tu Trong Park. The boats will compete on West Lake, near Thanh Nien and Nguyen Dinh Thi roads.

The organisers will encourage individuals and organisations to sponsor the event, which will gather international and domestic teams.

Districts with strong traditions of racing dragon boats including Hoang Mai, Bac Tu Liem, Thanh Tri, Ba Vi, Son Tay, Dan Phuong, Quoc Oai, Chuong My, Thanh Oai, Ung Hoa, and My Duc will each send a male and a female team to compete.

Locals and tourists watch the race on West Lake. — Photo dantri.vn

In February, the first dragon boat festival was organised on West Lake. The event gathered 27 teams from seven districts around the capital. Various art troupes also performed at the festival.

Dragon boat racing is a Vietnamese tradition. With the plan, Hanoi authorities want to continue the tradition, encourage sport among citizens and attract tourists to the city.

Source: VNS