Dragon Boat World Cup kicks off in Zigui

By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio

The 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Cup began today in Yichang’s Zigui County.

A total of 16 teams from 13 countries and regions will compete in the 200m, 500m, and 2000m races.

The 2-day competition features 18 events including dragon boat races in 8-seater and 10-seater boats. The top two nations in total points will secure a spot in the 2025 Chengdu World Games Dragon Boat Qualifiers.

"Zigui has a long history and has always been a favorite competition venue for dragon boat enthusiasts in China and around the world," said Budiman Setiawan, member of the ICF board of directors and Asia Continental Representative.  It is precisely because of the professional organization here that the level of the World Cup has been further elevated, he added.

The 8-seater dragon boats used in the event were specially designed for the Olympic Games. Incorporating modern technology to increase speed and agility, they are shorter and narrower than traditional boats.

The 8-seater boat race was held during both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 games as an exhibition sport on the sidelines. This World Cup is expected to boost the sport’s influence, paving the way for dragon boat racing to eventually become an Olympic sport.
 

The opening ceremony combined traditional rituals such as the Dragon Eye Dotting ceremony and River Parade performance with several other performances showcasing Chinese culture to the attendees.
 

Known for its rich dragon boat culture and high-standard competition venues, Yichang has attracted teams from countries such as India, the Philippines, and Singapore to participate for a second time.