The 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament commenced on Sunday morning at the picturesque West Lake, located on Thanh Nien – Nguyen Dinh Thi Street. The tournament features a 500-meter-long race route, inviting participants from all over to showcase their skills and compete for victory.

The event spanned the entire day and attracted more than 500 athletes from 36 teams representing neighboring provinces, as well as foreign embassies in Vietnam, international organizations, and local clubs.

Despite the rain that persisted throughout the race in Hanoi, the teams’ competitive drive and the energetic support from spectators surrounding the lake created a thrilling atmosphere.

Chu Xuan Dung, deputy chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, beats the drum to inaugurate the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Chu Xuan Dung, deputy chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, beats the drum to open the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

The event aimed to commemorate the 10th Hanoi Sports Festival in 2022 alongside the 68th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10th).

According to Nguyen Thi Minh Tam, the 82-year-old leader of the Thang Long Vietnam drum art troupe, their team did not feel tired during the performance due to the lively atmosphere.

A man does a performance on a water board before the race on West Lake, Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

A man waterboards before the race on West Lake in Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Tam described the scene during Hanoi’s Liberation Day as electrifying, with packed crowds of spectators and a bustling street atmosphere.

In this unique environment, when we strike the drums with precision and passion, our weariness dissipates into oblivion.

Do Dinh Hong, the director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, has announced that the primary objective of the event is to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage associated with dragon boat racing.

“This year, the tournament has attracted a diverse range of participants, including individuals and international teams. Not only does this make it a community event, but it also provides an opportunity to showcase the city and promote tourism in Vietnam,” stated Hong.

A team competes at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake, Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

A team competes at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake in Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Spectators cheer on teams competing at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake, Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Spectators cheer on teams competing at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake in Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Spectators cheer on teams competing at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake, Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Spectators cheer on teams competing at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake in Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Foreign spectators cheer on teams competing at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake, Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Foreign spectators cheer on teams competing at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake in Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Members of a team celebrate their victory at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake, Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Members of a team celebrate their victory at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament on West Lake in Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Teams compete at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament under the rain on West Lake, Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Teams compete at the 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament under the rain on West Lake in Hanoi, October 9, 2022. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

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