Boat racing championship on Dong Nai River celebrates Spring of the Year of the Horse

On February 28, the Dong Nai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized the Open Dong Nai Provincial Boat Racing Club Championship to celebrate the Party and welcome the Spring of the Year of the Horse 2026.

Nguyen Khac Vinh, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, presents commemorative flags to participating teams. Photo: My Ny

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Director Nguyen Khac Vinh stated that the open boat race on the Dong Nai River is not merely a sporting competition but also a vibrant activity that brings a joyful and exciting atmosphere, meeting the cultural and spiritual needs of the people during the early spring days of the Year of the Horse 2026. The event also serves as an opportunity for exchange, solidarity, and strengthening friendship among localities in the province and Ho Chi Minh City.

Boat racing teams compete at the event. Photo: My Ny

The race featured seven teams from wards across Dong Nai Province and Ho Chi Minh City, competing in the 500 m and 1,000 m categories. The event attracted large crowds gathering along the embankment of the Dong Nai River (in front of the Tan Lan Communal House relic site, Tran Bien ward) to watch and cheer enthusiastically.

A team accelerates toward the finish line. Photo: My Ny

At around 8:40 a.m., after crossing the finish line, one racing boat unexpectedly capsized, causing 12 athletes to fall into the water. Three rescue boats immediately approached and safely brought the athletes ashore. The incident led to a brief interruption, yet it promptly resumed amid the encouragement of spectators.

Many residents in Tran Bien ward watch and cheer for the teams. Photo: Nguyen Anh Trong

In the final results, the Organizing Committee awarded first prizes in the 500m and 1,000m events to the Tan Trieu 1 team and the Ho Chi Minh City Aquatic Sports Center team, respectively, along with second and third prizes to the remaining teams.

The Organizing Committee presents commemorative flags to participating teams. Photo: Nguyen Anh Trong

A drum performance at the Open Dong Nai Provincial Boat Racing Club Championship celebrates the Party and the Spring of the Year of the Horse 2026. Photo: My Ny

The Dong Nai Province Open Boat Racing Club Championship, celebrating the Party and the Spring of the Year of the Horse 2026, not only encourages people to strengthen their physical training spirit and promotes the increasingly robust development of the mass sports movement, but also contributes to preserving and promoting the cultural beauty of Dong Nai’s riverine heritage.

By My Ny – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho