After a five-year hiatus, Da Nang will bring its traditional boat race on the Han River, also known as the VTV8 Cup Open Boat Race to celebrate the 78^th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

The traditional boat race on the Han River will return to Da Nang on September 2 after a five-year hiatus. Photo: P.N

Co-organized by the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports and VTV 8 which is specialized channel of the Viet Nam Television Network for viewers in the Central region and Central Highlands, the boat race will take place on the Han River on September 2.

The event will attract nearly 350 participants from 12 men's teams and 8 women's teams. Each men’s team consists of 17 crew members while each women’s team consists of 15 crew members. The boat race’s participants come from Da Nang and neighbouring Quang Nam Province.

According to the organizers, the men will have to complete three laps for a 7.5km course while the women will cover two laps of a 5km course. After all races conclude, the winners in each category will be awarded with first, second and third prizes. Besides, in each category, consolidation prizes will be given to the team who do not win the race but are worthy of recognition while the Fair Play Award will be presented to the team that demonstrate the most sportsmanship, respect, and fair play during the race.

The revival of the annual boat race brings joy and excitement for local residents. Mr. Truong Van Hung, a resident of Hai Chau District’s Thuan Phuoc Ward expressed his delight at the return of the boat race which is one of the most awaited events in the city. “This sports event is indispensable to the spiritual life of local residents to celebrate the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2). It also highlights the beauty of Da Nang’s people and its culture. Despite being busy, I still managed my time to watch the previous events and cheer for racing teams. I eagerly await the return of this sports event after a five-year gap. Hopefully, this event will continue for years to come, and it will become a widespread and exciting sport movement in our community."

According to Mr Pham Hung, the Deputy Director of the Hoa Vang District Center of Culture, Information and Sports, the return of the traditional boat race on the Han River in Da Nang after a five-year hiatus is an event worth waiting for. The district has selected the best crew members for its team to compete in the upcoming event. From now until the start of the boat race, the district will create the most favourable conditions for its team to practice in order to improve their physical strength and endurance. The Hoa Vang District team are determinated to do their best to achieve the best possible results in the upcoming event in a bid to help this event become an exciting and attractive sports festival in the city.

Mr Nguyen Trong Thao, the Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports said that the upcoming VTV8 Cup Open Boat Race promises to be an exciting event when it makes its return in the city after a five-year gap as preparations are well underway for this event to ensure its success.

Reporting by PHI NONG – Translating by H.L