Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour came alive on Saturday as the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races brought together elite athletes and captivated tourists in a vibrant celebration of sport and culture. The iconic event, now in full swing, saw paddlers from 12 countries and regions battling it out on the water while visitors soaked up the electrifying atmosphere.

This year's event marked the first time participants from Egypt and Qatar were invited to compete.

Qatari athlete Sheila Caparroso expressed that dragon boating was not just a sport but also about passion and dedication, acknowledging the warm hospitality of everyone involved. She compared the weather conditions, noting that while Qatar is similarly hot and humid, the climate in Hong Kong felt distinctly different—much damper and stickier.

Coach Ehab Gouda of the Dragon Boat African Alliance, shared his team's excitement about participating in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races. He remarked on the high level of competition, with many strong international teams present, and emphasized their commitment to giving their best performance while raising awareness of their team.

He mentioned being aware of dragon boat racing's long history and expressed delight at its popularity in both Hong Kong and mainland China. Having previously competed in mainland China and Macao, the team thoroughly enjoyed racing in Victoria Harbour, with Gouda enthusiastically declaring, "I love Hong Kong!"

The team had stayed in Hong Kong for a week, visiting places like The Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Times Square, and particularly enjoyed local cuisine, including dim sum.

A French tourist surnamed Dahine and his brother snapped endless photos with the teams and stated that they enjoyed the event very much and were amazed by the tradition and the vibe.

The pair, who arrived just yesterday, are planning to stay a week in Hong Kong for food and sightseeing.

Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races attract global teams and enthusiastic spectators