23 teams from across country compete for ice dragon boat race championship in Ningxia

A total of 23 teams of paddlers from across China gathered in Yinchuan City of northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Sunday to compete for the championship of an icy variation of a famous traditional water sport -- dragon boat race.

The event, featuring paddling traditional dragon boats on ice, attracted over 700 dragon boaters representing 23 teams to compete in six sub-events including men's, women's and coed 100 meter races.

Different from a conventional dragon boat race, dragon boat race on ice is competed with dragon boats on wheels, and boaters need to stroke metal rods as "paddles" against the ice to propel the boats forward. In north China, this special winter game has already gained popularity.

"We are participating for the first time, and we are here to learn from others. It's all about the passion, and everyone is a champion," said Ye Xiuhong, a participant.

The unique dragon boat race is not a new invention for local residents. The sport has already a history of over ten years in Yinchuan, which is also one of the birthplaces of ice dragon boat racing in China. After a decade of development, it has now been listed as an official sports event in the city.

"Dragon boat race on ice and dragon boat race on water actually share the same root, with the latter being more welcomed and developed in south China, where river systems are more extensive. The dragon boat race on ice is more popular in northeastern provinces as well as in the areas of Ningxia and Gansu. This is a localized extension of dragon boat sports, and has also added fun to our winter sports. The game is quite popular among local residents," said Qin Jiyong from the China Dragon Boat Association.

In recent years, Ningxia has been exploring local resources to promote winter sports among the general public, with the ice dragon boat race being one of its most successful cases.

23 teams from across country compete for ice dragon boat race championship in Ningxia

Special winter sport event in Ningxia attracts over 700 participants to paddle on ice

Special winter sport event in Ningxia attracts over 700 participants to paddle on ice

Special winter sport event in Ningxia attracts over 700 participants to paddle on ice

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said met with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Muscat on Sunday, and the two discussed regional situation and mediation efforts for ending the conflicts, the Omani Foreign Ministry said.

The Omani Sultan stressed that in dealing with various issues, dialog and diplomacy must be given priority in order to consolidate the foundation of peace.

He also shared Oman's views on advancing the mediation process, increasing the chances of reaching a sustainable political solution, and minimizing the impact of the conflict on people in the region.

Araghchi briefed the Omani Sultan on Iran's views on the current regional situation, and expressed his appreciation for Oman's role in promoting dialog and enhancing regional security and stability.

Araghchi arrived in Muscat on Saturday for talks with senior Omani officials on bilateral relations and regional developments, Iran's Foreign Ministry said.

The visit to Oman is the Iranian Foreign Minister's second stop on a regional tour that began Friday in Islamabad and will end in Russia.

Oman's Sultan meets visiting Iranian FM