Boat racing festival on Rao Cai river

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HA TINH – Race on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of Ha Tinh city and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos.

On the afternoon of May 19, Ha Tinh city held an expanded boat racing festival to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the city’s founding, the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Ha Tinh, and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos. …

The tournament brings together 16 racing teams with nearly 200 athletes. Which, there are 15 teams from 15 communes and wards in the area. The other team is from the Pakxan district, Bolykhamxay province (Laos).

Before the competition, members of the racing teams check the boat and use parachute ropes to fasten the rowers.

After the opening fireworks, 12 athletes on each boat continuously waved their oars and competed for each meter of water in the cheers and cheers of the audience.

According to the rules, a competition has 4 teams participating. At the end of 4 rounds, the team with the fastest time to the finish line without violating the rules will win the first prize.

The teams competed on a distance of 2 km (both on and off), the section crossing the Rao Cai river, Dai Nai ward, Ha Tinh city.

As a rule, on the track, boats must go to the right, not obstruct each other. The boat in front must be straight, the boat behind must be able to pass, and the boat in front must not create obstacles.

The racing team from the Pakxan district (Laos) tried their best to finish.

According to the assessment of the organizers, this year’s tournament brings together racing teams of equal quality. In all 4 rounds, 16 teams competed very fiercely, there was almost no difference in level. When reaching the finish line, the boats always stick together, creating dramatic chases.

From early afternoon, thousands of people in Ha Tinh city and some neighboring districts gathered on both sides of the Rao Cai river to watch the race. Some even climbed trees to get a better view.

Many spectators also prepared trumpets, drums and banners, constantly shouting and cheering for the athletes.

“Before the tournament, we had a few days of tactical practice. When entering, the 12 members constantly reminded each other to row rhythmically, if they lost their hands, they would slow down the race,” said a member of the racing team in Thach Hung commune.

A “sprint” screen when reaching the finish line of two racing boats.

At the end of the competition, the Thach Ha commune racing team won the first prize, the second prize belonged to Thach Hung commune, Thach Binh commune and Pakxan district (Laos) with the third prize.

Mr. Duong Tat Thang, the Secretary of Ha Tinh City Party Committee, said the boat racing festival aims to promote and spread the beauty of the local traditional culture; It is an opportunity to promote and create motivation for economic, social and tourism development.

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