The Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports has announced that the traditional boat race, also known as the VTV8 Cup Open Boat Race will make a comeback in city after a five-year gap. The boat race will be held on the Han River on September 2 to celebrate the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

Teams competed in the 2023 ward-level boat race on the Han River, which was organized by Nai Hien Dong Ward Authority. Photo: NHU NGHIA.

This year’s event is expected to 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.

The boat race held annually on the Han River was one of the best cultural and sports events in the city to celebrate the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), and it has been held continuously in the city until 2017. It was indispensable to the spiritual life of local residents and one of the most awaited events of the year for city dwellers. A large number of locals and tourists gathered on the banks of the Han River to watch one of their most anticipated events of the year. However, this event has been interrupted since 2018, causing regret for city dwellers.

The boat race aimed to introduce beautiful culture and tradition of people in the Central Coast region of Viet Nam, thereby contributing to promoting Da Nang as an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.

Therefore, the revival of the annual boat race aims to preserve and promote the beauty of traditional culture in Da Nang and neighbouring Quang Nam Province. In addition, the intention is to promote public engagement in a campaign “All people take exercises following the example of great Uncle Ho”, as well as encourage public participation in the boat race to improve their health, boost production, and maximize their engagement in fishing, flood mitigation, and defending the Fatherland.

Reporting by TRONG HUY – Translating by H.L