(From top) Dragon boat teams from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Germany and the US compete in the International Dragon Boat Federation World Cup in Miluo, Central China's Hunan Province on October 27, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the Chinese Dragon Boat Association

It would be wishful thinking to say that dragon boat racing is a sport totally dominated by the Chinese since it originated and is widely celebrated in China.

In the birthplace of dragon boat racing in Miluo, Central China's Hunan Province, the Chinese teams bagged four gold and five silver medals at the latest International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Cup in late October. 

Indonesia was the only team to capsize China's dominance as they won the 200-meter race. Along with Canada, they have provided a formidable challenge against China's reign in the sport.

"From a performance perspective, while missing out on a gold medal does leave a bit of regret, I actually think it's good news," He Yi, chief of the Chinese Dragon Boat Association, told the Global Times, referring to Indonesia's win in the 200-meter race. 

"This is a perfect example of dragon boat racing's journey to becoming a global sport. People worldwide are embracing dragon boating, not merely as a cultural activity but as a modern international competitive sport."

He added that he hopes more countries will grow stronger in this sport so that each continent can showcase top teams that bring out the excitement of dragon boating. 

"This is the vision we hold for Chinese sports culture; to gain a faster foothold on the world stage," he said.

Ancient origins

The Dragon Boat World Cup, which was originally held in Miluo in 2020, represents one of the highest levels of dragon boat racing internationally, with participating teams limited to the top 12-ranked countries and regions. 

Aside from the performance of the elite teams, the event attracted over 30,000 fans for the opening morning session at the Miluo River International Dragon Boat Race Center in the county-level city that's home to only 670,000 people. 

"This sport is a bridge of friendship, peace, and real values," Claudio Schermi, president of the IDBF, told the Global Times. 

Claudio Schermi, president of the International Dragon Boat Federation Photo: Courtesy of the Chinese Dragon Boat Association

Miluo is known in China as the place where ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, also a minister of the State of Chu during the Warring States Period (475BC-221BC), drowned himself in despair after he was accused of treason and banished for offering well-intended advice to the king who neglected his proposals.

"Every dragon boat lover in the world should come at least once in his life. For a dragon boater to come here is something so important because it gives them extra energy and a passion for the sport," Schermi told the Global Times. 

Legend has it that upon learning of Qu's death, locals took to boats on the river to search for his body, which inspired the dragon boat races. 

"The story of Qu, as it is not a legend but a true story, is widely known in the world thanks to the IDBF," Schermi told the Global Times, noting that he is learning about Qu's famous work, Li Sao (departure from turmoil and grief), to understand how after 2,000 years he is "still in the hearts of the people."

"This is very important for the sport of dragon boat racing, for culture, and for our friendship that brings us all together," Schermi noted.

Worldwide game

Dragon boat racing has grown significantly in popularity worldwide, transforming from a traditional Chinese water sport into a global phenomenon. 

The sport, which has been bidding for an Olympics debut, is especially popular in regions with Asian communities, but it has also attracted a broad international following due to its emphasis on teamwork, endurance, and cultural symbolism. 

Each year, major cities such as Vancouver, New York, and London host large dragon boat festivals that draw thousands of spectators and international teams. 

In the UK, the British Dragon Boat Racing Association governs over 30 different clubs spread out across the country, with a series of National League competitions held annually, according to David Bangs, who visited China in 1988 as a British dragon boat team member and now leader of the Great Britain team that just competed in Miluo.

"Dragon boat covers so many different situations that many different people can get involved. It's not just down to very athletic people. It's available to all sorts of people at different ages and abilities," David Bangs, leader of the Great Britain team, noted to the Global Times. 

The popularity of dragon boating is also rising in the US. 

"We have over 30 different clubs that went to the club crew world championships in Italy [in September], more than any other country. It has become a very popular sport," Tommy Leonardi, leader of the USA dragon boat team, told the Global Times. 

"The beautiful part about the sport is that like all the countries, disagreements in politics seems to just go aside, and the people are just people," he said.

Leonardi recalled that when he was walking in Miluo wearing a USA team jersey a day ahead of the competition, when the local people kept stopping him to request for photos with him.

"It made me realize that the Chinese people want to be friends with Americans and vice versa. We want to be friends with everybody," he said. 

"We don't have to say anything, we don't have to do anything. We can be friends immediately. This is the beauty of this sport."