Teams compete in thrilling Dragon Boat races in Shanghai on June 18. Photo: Lu Ting/GT

The 2023 China Dragon Boat Open Tournament (Shanghai Putuo station) and the 19th Shanghai International Suzhou Creek Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament is taking place over the weekend at the water area along the Environmental Theme Park of Suzhou River, Putuo district.
 
52 high-level domestic and foreign dragon boat teams have participated in the event. Despite the rain, the teams pushed themselves to the limits, determined to win, creating a passionate and uplifting symphony on the Suzhou River.
 
The competition was fierce, with high levels of skill and athleticism on display. The paddlers dug their oars into the water, their muscles straining as they pushed through the waves. The boats surged forward, the sound of the drumbeats echoing across the water. Many residents came to watch the races and cheered participants on.
 
A number of high-level domestic teams participated in the Putuo station of the China Dragon Boat Tournament, including those who have represented the country to participate in international dragon boat competitions.
 
Internationally, teams from the Philippines and Malaysia competed in the 200-meter and 500-meter straight-line races for 12-person dragon boats.
 
The teams were impressed with the quality of the course, which was conducive to achieving good results.
 
Leonora Escollante, Coach from the Philippine Canoe &Kayak Federation praised the course, saying, "Everyone's level was very high, and the competition was very intense. The racecourse conditions were excellent, and this was a course where good results could be achieved."
 
“The people in Shanghai are also very accommodating. I like it and I I'm so thankful for  being invited here,” Escollante told the Global Times.
 
The team won the champion of the international invitational tournament.
 
Escollante said that racing dragon boat is also gaining popularity in the Philippines.
 
“We are organizing a dragon boat race in the Philippines in November. I hope I can invite some of the teams from Shanghai to join the Philippine international races,” she said.
 

Teams compete in thrilling Dragon Boat races in Shanghai on June 18. Photo: Lu Ting/GT

The Malaysian Argo Naga Dragon Boat team arrived early to train for the competition.
 
"It feels very comfortable to paddle a dragon boat on the Suzhou River. Moreover, the atmosphere of the competition is very strong. Whether it's a training or a formal competition, there are many spectators cheering us on, and it feels great,” Yap Chee Kian, a member of the Malaysian team said.
 
Over recent years, Putuo district has taken the opportunity of the completion of the 21-kilometer Suzhou River bank to hold a series of boutique events such as the Suzhou River Dragon Boat races, Suzhou River Half Marathon, and Shanghai e-Sports Championship, offering a feast of high-quality sports.