Dragon boat races return to Hong Kong after four years

Gently down the stream: Teams racing against each other during Dragon Boat Festival celebrations in Hong Kong. — AP

HONG KONG: Thousands of paddlers descended on Hong Kong to take part in the financial hub’s International Dragon Boat competition, held for the first time in more than four years after they were halted due to anti-government protests and Covid-19.

The two-day event, organised by Hong Kong’s tourism board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, drew more than 4,000 paddlers from 160 teams including from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and internationally, its tourism body said.