On May 25th, the 2024 Guangdong Dragon Boat Open Championship, along with the Doumen Dragon Boat Invitation Tournament, unfolded in Zhuhai with great enthusiasm.
Athletes vigorously paddled, as the dragon boats chased each other
The Doumen Dragon Boat Race, which has been held for more than 30 years, has been promoted as part of the Guangdong Dragon Boat Open Championship for the first time this year. As the opening event of the championship, it attracted 39 dragon boat teams from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to compete, with nearly a thousand athletes participating in the race.
"Beep!" In the morning of that day, as the starting signal sounded, the race began. A rapid series of drumbeats echoed across the river, and one by one, dragon boats surged forward, breaking through the water. Along the 600-meter race course, each team vigorously paddled, bravely striving forward.
The event attracted foreign friends in Zhuhai
The audiences on the shore were also excited, cheering for the teams they supported. For a while, the drumbeats, the sounds of water splashes, the shouts, and the cheers echoed one after another, forming a stirring symphony of excitement.
In the battle among the top six contenders, the championship always hangs until the very end. At 11:20, the peak duel commenced. As the whistle blew, the six dragon boats dashed across the water.
In the final 100 meters, the Doumen Dragon Boat Team and the Tianjiabing Middle School Dragon Boat Team from Zhuhai almost advanced side by side. Ultimately, the former displayed remarkable power, securing victory with a one-second advantage and becoming the winner of this year's race in Zhuhai.
"Cool! We're going to feast on roasted pig and drink liquor heartily." Coach Liang Jinghui of the Doumen Dragon Boat Team told reporters. He mentioned that the team had started rigorous training several months ago, comprising retired soldiers, company employees, and even farmers who worked in the fields. With ages ranging from 22 to 60 and with an average age of 35, the team reflects the legacy of inheritance. "The tradition of dragon boat race has always been strong in Doumen. We've been participating in dragon boat races across various regions for over a decade, not only for the honor of the championships but also to pass on the spirit of Doumen dragon boat culture to the next generation," Liang Jinghui said.
The Hong Kong Zhanyi Dragon Boat Team, representing Hong Kong in the race, has been established for 32 years. In 2023 alone, they participated in seven events in Hong Kong and achieved three championships. "We hope to promote dragon boat race through these competitions, expand our social circle, and foster closer relationships with dragon boat teams from other regions," the founder of the dragon boat team stated.
With the support and encouragement of the Macao Free Dragon Boat Association, the Macao Winter Swimming Club formed a dragon boat team and hired the renowned coach Li Rongchang for training. Li Rongchang stated, "This is the first time the Macao Winter Swimming Club Dragon Boat Team has participated in a competition. We hope to accumulate experience and pass on this traditional culture."
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
