The second edition of the Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race Festival kicks off today in Pokhara, aiming to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between Nepal and its neighboring country, China, while promoting Nepal’s tourism sector.
This vibrant festival is being held at Pokhara’s iconic Fewa Lake, a major tourist destination. Players from Nepal, China, and Singapore are participating in the event, which will run until January 15. A total of 20 teams are competing in the festival, jointly organized by the Gandaki Province Government, Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and the Nepal Tourism Board.
According to Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, preparations for the festival have been completed. A chartered flight from Chengdu, China, brought 129 players to Pokhara on January 11. The participating teams have been practicing daily at Fewa Lake in anticipation of the competition.
The festival features eight teams from China, one from Singapore, and 11 from various regions of Nepal. Nepal’s teams include Gandaki, Bagmati, Karnali, Tribhuvan Army Club, Dragon Boat Gandaki, Begnas Team, Rupa Lake Team, and Nepal Rafting Agencies Association (NARA).
The competition includes races of 500 meters and 200 meters. The winning teams will receive $5,000, $2,000, and $1,200 for first, second, and third place, respectively.
This dynamic event not only showcases international camaraderie but also highlights the potential of Pokhara as a hub for water sports and cultural exchange.
