Strengthening cultural ties and promoting tourism between Nepal and its neighboring country China, the second edition of the Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race Festival is set to commence on Sunday. The event will take place at Pokhara’s iconic tourist destination, Phewa Lake, and will run until December 30, 2024.
The festival will witness participation from athletes representing Nepal, China, and Singapore. A total of 20 teams, including eight from China, one from Singapore, and 11 from various regions of Nepal, will compete in this thrilling event. Organized jointly by the Gandaki Province Government, Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and the Nepal Tourism Board, the festival aims to enhance cultural connections and boost tourism in the region.
According to Pokhara Metropolitan City’s Mayor, Dhanraj Acharya, all preparations for the event have been completed. A chartered flight from Chengdu, China, brought 129 Chinese athletes to Pokhara on December 26, 2024. These athletes, along with other participants, have been practicing daily at Phewa Lake to ensure competitive performances.
The Nepali teams include representatives from Gandaki, Bagmati, and Karnali provinces, as well as organizations such as the Tribhuvan Army Club, Dragon Boat Gandaki, Begnas Team, Rupa Tal Team, and the Nepal Rafting Agencies Association (NARA).
The competition features races in two categories: 500 meters and 200 meters. Winning teams in each category will receive a cash prize of $5,000, while runners-up will be awarded $2,000, and the third-place teams will take home $1,200. The event is a collaborative effort of various sponsors, including Laxmi Sunrise Bank, Shivam Cement, and Nabil Bank, which have supported its organization.
With its vibrant mix of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and scenic beauty, the Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race Festival is poised to become a significant event in strengthening bilateral ties and showcasing Pokhara’s appeal as a global tourist destination.
