The 2025 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races on Saturday kicked off at Nam Van Lake of China's Macao, igniting three days of spirited competition and cultural celebration ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Over 200 teams from Macao, the Chinese mainland and abroad will vie for glory in races spanning 200-meter and 500-meter categories, showcasing athleticism and the enduring legacy of this ancient Chinese tradition.
The opening weekend features fierce competition among 100 local teams across categories including open, women's, government departments, and university students.
The 200-meter races on Saturday drew enthusiastic crowds, while Sunday's 500-meter heats are in place to test endurance in open, women's, and mixed categories.
The international teams will compete 500-meter races in different groups on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival -- also known as Duanwu Festival -- an official Chinese holiday that falls on May 31 this year.
As competitors prepared for the opening events, a vibrant atmosphere permeated the lakeside, with youth teams forming a cornerstone of the event. College student dragon boat racers exemplified the vitality of Macao's sporting future, underscoring the city's commitment to preserving and promoting traditional culture.
"Dragon boat racing is a traditional festival event of the Chinese nation. In the race, the spirit of unity and hard work is very worthy of being passed down and promoted by the youth of Macao," said Lei Hwa Ciu, a racer from Macao Institute of Engineers Dragon Boat team.
"We also hope that more teenagers can carry forward the spirit of unity and hard work in dragon boat racing through this competition, so that Macao and the motherland get better and better," said Sou Hiu Jyu, a racer from the Macao Scout Association Dragon Boat Team.
The event also attracted international enthusiasts like Andrea, a Portuguese resident of Macao.
"I really like to participate, I like dragon boats, I like Chinese culture, I like sports. So I can combine altogether (by racing dragon boats). That's why I'm here already for five years. And (I'm) very happy to be here again," she said.
The climax of the races will unfold on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, with teams coming from the Chinese mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and countries such as Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Egypt.
"This year we will hold an international dragon boat race on the day of Dragon Boat Festival. There will be 15 teams from different regions and countries coming to Macao to participate in the race. Among them, there will also be an African team coming here for the first time. I hope that through the international invitational, we can let our friends overseas feel the charm of Macao and the charm of our excellent Chinese sports culture," said Luís Gomes, president of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR.
Macao Int'l Dragon Boat Races take to water
