Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong came alive with the thundering sound of paddles hitting the water as the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races returned after a four-year hiatus, due to the pandemic.
The two-day event attracted 4000 paddlers, representing teams from 10 different places, including Australia, Dubai, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Poland, Macau, and mainland China.
Considered as the most international and historical dragon boat race in Hong Kong, this year’s event saw over 180 teams compete in the 500m race. Each boat was manned by a team of not more than 18 paddlers, one drummer, and one steerer.
The event was organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the winning teams were awarded a money prize totaling $26,000 USD, out of which $10,000 USD went to the champion team.
Dragon boat racing has been a tradition in the southern region of China for over 2,000 years. Over time, the sport has evolved and spread to the west, becoming a modern sports item. Hong Kong, with its deep-rooted dragon boat racing culture, and the widely popular event was a testament to the locals’ love for the sport.
Due to the pandemic situation around the world, the event had to be postponed for such a long time. However, the Hong Kong Tourism Board ensured that the comeback event was celebrated in style, with participants enjoying other attractions such as the food festival, which featured both local and international cuisines.
The event witnessed an excellent show of sportsmanship and camaraderie among competitors. The city of Hong Kong was filled with the rhythm of the dragon boat drums and cheers of the crowd, under the summer sun, making it a memorable day for both participants and spectators.
Despite the pandemic situation not easing up yet, the event was a resounding success, with strict protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in attendance. Although it wasn’t the first time the event was held amid a pandemic, it was certainly the most anticipated one.
The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races is a must-attend event that draws thousands of tourists to the city every year. With the return of this year’s event, there is no doubt that the city’s tourism industry will be positively impacted, boosting the local economy and instilling confidence among the business community.
In conclusion, the 2021 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races was an expression of hope and resilience, both for the local community and the global community. The return of the event after a four-year break was a much-needed boost, promoting camaraderie, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. The dragon boat races are a significant cultural event, and it has been encouraging to see it make a return, and we hope that it continues to flourish in the coming years. (AA)
