Dragon boat

 

HÀ NỘI — The 2026 Hà Nội Dragon Boat and Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Open will feature about 900 local and international participants who will stir up the water in the capital city's West Lake on October 3 and 4.

The tournament is held by the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism with support from Vietnam Airlines.

Deputy Director of the department Phạm Xuân Tài said the tournament aims to preserve and uphold traditional values, keeping them relevant to modern life.

Tài commented: "Young people can come to West Lake to watch a dragon boat race, try a new sport and meet up with friends, gaining a deeper understanding of their city’s culture. For tourists, this offers a new way to experience Hà Nội, complementing the familiar charms of the capital’s autumn.”

Organisers said 127 athletes, including 29 foreigners, will compete in the SUP events, promising spectacular bursts of speed and masterful technique on the waters of West Lake.

 

The dragon boat category will see 48 teams compete, many of them from city wards such as Hoàng Mai, Yên Sở, Đông Anh and Thượng Cát, as well as clubs and universities.

They will face three international teams: Bomba Pilipinas of the Philippines, Argo Naga of Malaysia and Guangzou Knight Dragon Boat of China.

"Our team is not just athletes. We are friends, colleagues and dragon boat lovers who train together on the Pearl River every week," the Chinese team stated. 

"For us, dragon boat racing is about power, rhythm and one heart beating as one team. We have heard so much about Hà Nội, a city with a thousand years of history, beautiful lakes and the warmest people.

"We are very excited to race on your water and feel the energy of Hà Nội. We don't just come to compete. We come to learn. We want to feel the spirit of Vietnamese dragon boats. We look forward to making new friends, sharing paddles and racing side-by-side with strong Vietnamese teams."

Malaysian team Argo Naga wrote in a statement: "With a common goal and an unwavering determination to never give up until reaching the finish line, Argo Naga are looking forward to meeting everyone in Hà Nội, to share our passion and experience in dragon boat racing, and also to promote Malaysia's dragon boat teams."

Before coming to Việt Nam, Argo Naga participated in the 15th Club Crew World Championship, reaching the semi-finals in most of the categories they entered.

The team also achieved fourth place in the Five Continent Ice Dragonboat Challenge 2026 in Xilingol, Inner Mongolia. They also actively participate in local races in Malaysia, reaching the podium in the Melaka and Putrajaya races.

The race features many teams from embassies and organisations including the United Nations in Việt Nam, the US, UK, Japanese, Swedish and Australian embassies, the EU delegation to Việt Nam and a German team.

In a message to tournament organisers, the Embassy of Japan's team stated: "We are delighted to join this celebration of the sport, share the experience with our Vietnamese and international friends, and enjoy the energy on the water.

"Our motto is One Team, One Stroke, One Soul. We will bring our Japanese team spirit to paddle together as one team, filled with energy and determination. We are ready for the challenge, ready to have fun, and ready to race! Our goal is clear: win and paddle as far as we can!"

Meanwhile, the Swedish representatives said: "Golden dusk, autumn breeze, Vietnamese hearts with Swedish spirit brought us together as Team Sweden has joined the Dragon Boat Race for the last seven years.

"Under the Hà Nội sky and on the historic West Lake, the Dragon Boat Racing Festival is more than just a race. It is where we connect with nature, share cultures and nurture friendships across borders.

"Gliding across the waves, stroke by stroke, moving as one, Team Sweden has always believed in the beauty of every journey and the best that each person can bring. Seven years on the water, and the journeys are still unfolding!" — OVN/VNS