Nearly 900 Athletes Participate in Hanoi Open Dragon Boat and SUP Racing Tournament
The 2026 Hanoi Open Dragon Boat and SUP Racing Tournament transformed West Lake into a vibrant sports festival, blending traditional rowing with a modern athletic spirit while bringing international friends closer to the capital.
Drawing nearly 900 local and international athletes, the event took place on October 3 and 4, celebrating the 72nd anniversary of Capital Liberation Day (10/10/1954-2026). Co-organized by the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Viet Nam Airlines JSC, the event was held at Ly Tu Trong Flower Garden and on West Lake, Hanoi.
Bringing together athletes from embassies, international organizations, provinces, cities and sports clubs, the tournament created an exciting waterside atmosphere in Hanoi this autumn. Every rowing stroke brought a dynamic, welcoming, and culturally rich image of Hanoi closer to visitors. As part of the Cham Thu Hanoi (Touching Ha Noi Autumn) campaign, the event highlighted the growing appeal of sports integrated with the capital’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes and vibrant urban life.
This year’s event expanded in both scale and international participation. The dragon boat competition featured 48 teams, including international crews such as Bomba Pilipinas (the Philippines), Argo Naga (Malaysia), and Guangzhou Knight Dragon Boat (China), alongside domestic teams from Ha Noi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Thai Nguyen.
Featuring 10 teams from diplomatic missions and international organizations, including Germany, the UK, Denmark, the US, Australia, Japan, the UN, the EU, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, the tournament took on a vibrant international character. They competed alongside teams from universities, schools, enterprises, clubs, and local communities across Hanoi known for their long-standing boat racing traditions.
On West Lake, every stroke required strength, skill, and endurance, while showcasing the unity and team spirit that make this traditional sport so compelling. While dragon boats carry the rich heritage of river life and traditional festivals, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) brings a youthful, modern energy to water sports.
This year, the SUP competition drew 127 talented paddlers, including 29 international athletes. Thrilling sprints across the water created dynamic moments that captivated both locals and visitors. The blend of traditional dragon boats and modern SUP boards demonstrated how Hanoi preserves its heritage while creating new experiences within its historic spaces, scenic landscapes, and vibrant communities.
Beyond the athletic competition, the tournament served as a cultural bridge, where the thrum of traditional boat drums met the spirit of modern sports, bringing together athletes from across the globe on West Lake. From this rich cultural backdrop, Hanoi reaffirmed its image as a capital that honors its heritage while remaining open, modern and actively integrating with the world./.
- Story: Quynh Chi
- Photos: Khanh Long/VNP