HONG KONG – The 15th Asian Dragon Boat Championships returned to Hong Kong’s shores on Friday, drawing hundreds of participants from across Asia for the three-day aquatic spectacle.
The event, which last took place in the special administrative region in 1996, has set up shop at the Kwun Tong Promenade, a venue that organizers say meets international standards for the competition.
“With its deep water level, calm waters, and long coastline, this location is ideal for hosting a world-class dragon boat event,” said Arnold Chung, chairman of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association.
The championships have attracted 800 paddlers hailing from 13 different countries and regions, signaling a triumphant comeback for the sport in the city that helped cement its global popularity.
Beyond the athletic spectacle, organizers are touting the event’s potential economic impact. According to Chung, all six hotels in the Kwun Tong district are already fully booked, and the influx of competitors and spectators is expected to give a much-needed boost to the local catering industry.
The 2024 Asian Dragon Boat Championships are serving as a prelude to an even bigger event on the horizon – the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships slated for 2027, which Chung says will draw 3,500 participants to Hong Kong.
“We see this year’s competition as a pilot run, an opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s ability to host a world-class dragon boat event,” Chung said. “With the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world watching, we’re confident this will be the start of an exciting new chapter for the sport in our city.”
