On May 25th, the 2024 Guangdong Dragon Boat Open Championship, along with the Doumen Dragon Boat Invitation Tournament, unfolded in Zhuhai with great enthusiasm.

The Doumen Dragon Boat Race, which has been held for more than 30 years, has been promoted as part of the Guangdong Dragon Boat Open Championship for the first time this year. As the opening event of the championship, it attracted 39 dragon boat teams from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to compete, with nearly a thousand athletes participating in the race.　

"Beep!" In the morning of that day, as the starting signal sounded, the race began. A rapid series of drumbeats echoed across the river, and one by one, dragon boats surged forward, breaking through the water. Along the 600-meter race course, each team vigorously paddled, bravely striving forward.

The audiences on the shore were also excited, cheering for the teams they supported. For a while, the drumbeats, the sounds of water splashes, the shouts, and the cheers echoed one after another, forming a stirring symphony of excitement.

In the battle among the top six contenders, the championship always hangs until the very end. At 11:20, the peak duel commenced. As the whistle blew, the six dragon boats dashed across the water.

In the final 100 meters, the Doumen Dragon Boat Team and the Tianjiabing Middle School Dragon Boat Team from Zhuhai almost advanced side by side. Ultimately, the former displayed remarkable power, securing victory with a one-second advantage and becoming the winner of this year's race in Zhuhai.

"Cool! We're going to feast on roasted pig and drink liquor heartily." Coach Liang Jinghui of the Doumen Dragon Boat Team told reporters. He mentioned that the team had started rigorous training several months ago, comprising retired soldiers, company employees, and even farmers who worked in the fields. With ages ranging from 22 to 60 and with an average age of 35, the team reflects the legacy of inheritance. "The tradition of dragon boat race has always been strong in Doumen. We've been participating in dragon boat races across various regions for over a decade, not only for the honor of the championships but also to pass on the spirit of Doumen dragon boat culture to the next generation," Liang Jinghui said.

The Hong Kong Zhanyi Dragon Boat Team, representing Hong Kong in the race, has been established for 32 years. In 2023 alone, they participated in seven events in Hong Kong and achieved three championships. "We hope to promote dragon boat race through these competitions, expand our social circle, and foster closer relationships with dragon boat teams from other regions," the founder of the dragon boat team stated.

With the support and encouragement of the Macao Free Dragon Boat Association, the Macao Winter Swimming Club formed a dragon boat team and hired the renowned coach Li Rongchang for training. Li Rongchang stated, "This is the first time the Macao Winter Swimming Club Dragon Boat Team has participated in a competition. We hope to accumulate experience and pass on this traditional culture."

Source:Yangcheng Evening News

广东省龙舟公开赛在珠海启幕

5月25日，2024年广东省龙舟公开赛暨斗门龙舟邀请赛火热上演。

据了解，已办赛30余年的斗门龙舟赛，今年首次晋升进入广东省龙舟公开赛，并作为赛事首站，吸引来自粤港澳大湾区的39支龙舟队水上竞渡、近千名健儿参与角逐。　　

“哔！”当日上午，随着发令声响，比赛正式开始，一连串急促的鼓点在河面响起，一条条龙舟破水而出。沿着600米的赛道，各组队伍奋力挥桨、奋勇向前。

岸上观众也群情激动，为自己支持的队伍加油呐喊。一时之间，鼓声、水声、呐喊声、欢呼声此起彼伏，连成一曲激昂的交响乐章。

六强争霸，冠军悬念总在最后揭晓。11时20分，巅峰对决正式拉开。哨声响起，6支龙舟如离弦之箭般在水面上冲刺。

珠海组方面，在最后的100米中，斗门区龙舟队与珠海市田家炳中学龙舟队几乎齐头并进，最终前者爆发力惊人，以1秒优势成功夺锦，成为本届珠海组“龙王”。

“爽！回去要大口吃烧猪，大口喝烧酒。”斗门区龙舟队教练梁敬辉告诉记者，几个月前队伍就开始刻苦训练，队伍中有退伍军人，有公司职员，更有平日耕作在田间地头的农人。从22岁到60岁，平均35岁的年龄构成是这支队伍传承的体现。“赛龙舟的传统在斗门一直浓厚，我们以老带新参加各地龙舟赛事十余年，不仅是为了冠军的荣誉，更是要将斗门的龙舟精神传承给下一代。”梁敬辉说。

比赛现场也不乏来自港澳的健儿。代表香港出征的香港战毅会龙舟队成立迄今已有32年，仅2023年就在香港参与了7项赛事，斩获冠军3个。“希望通过比赛推广龙舟运动、扩大社交圈子，促进加深与外地龙舟队的友好关系。”龙舟队创始人表示。

在澳门自由龙龙舟会的支持和鼓励下，澳门冬泳会组建龙舟队并聘请著名教练李荣昌进行训练。李荣昌表示：“这是澳门冬泳会龙舟队首次参加比赛，期望不断积累经验，将这项传统文化传承下去。”

文｜记者 李旭 陈一典 杨雪薇
图｜记者 李旭
翻译｜刘佳慧