Watch This | Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races opens with 170 teams and over 4,000 athletes

The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, co-organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), kicks off today (June 15), with races taking place in Victoria Harbour on 15-16 June (Saturday and Sunday).

The event features 17 races, with over 170 teams from 12 countries and regions participating, including teams from Mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong, as well as international teams from Singapore, Japan, the UAE, Thailand, and more.

The competition includes the reintroduced Greater Bay Area Championships and 18 Districts Trophy and the newly added trophy of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

The opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races was held this afternoon, with the eye-dotting ceremony officiated by HKTB Chairman Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, Legislative Council Member Perry Yiu Pak-leung, Legislative Council Member Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Hong Kong Fang Jianming, and Commissioner for Tourism Vivian Sum.

Pang stated that this year's event boasts a strong lineup, with over 4,000 athletes participating. The number of participating regions and teams exceeded last year, highlighting Hong Kong's international status.

HKTB has also added various festive activities daily and at night to make Victoria Harbour "more fun and exciting," according to Pang.

In addition to tonight's pyrotechnic display on the Wan Chai harbourfront, LINE FRIENDS characters will be shown as dragon boat athletes for photo spots.

Pang added that the HKTB will continue to host, support, and promote various events to maximize the benefits of event-driven tourism, attracting global visitors and showcasing Hong Kong as the events capital of Asia.

HKCDBA Chairman Arnold Chung said the international dragon boat race attracts elite dragon boat athletes from many countries and regions.

He emphasized that dragon boating, as a traditional Chinese cultural sport, has a long history and showcases courage and team spirit.

He believes this exciting and dynamic event will see teams demonstrating their determination and resilience.

He expressed gratitude to the government, the HKTB, and various corporate sponsors, wishing the dragon boat race great success and outstanding results for the athletes.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a yellow rainstorm warning signal this morning. The organizers stated that the race will continue but will be subject to weather conditions, with the possibility of cancellation if necessary.

Despite today's unfavorable weather, many citizens and tourists were drawn to watch the race from the shore.

Today's main events are the semifinals and finals. Some spectators expressed that despite the rain, it did not dampen their enthusiasm for watching the race, noting that holding the dragon boat race at Tsim Sha Tsui is convenient and attracts both locals and tourists.