Around 500 people participated in a boat racing tournament on West Lake in Hanoi to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the capital's Liberation Day on Sunday morning.

The 2022 Hanoi Open Boat Race Tournament officially began on Sunday morning at West Lake on Thanh Nien - Nguyen Dinh Thi Street, with a 500-meter-long route.

The event lasted the entire day and drew over 500 athletes from 36 teams from neighboring provinces, as well as foreign embassies in Vietnam and international organizations and clubs from the city.

Even though it rained in Hanoi throughout the race, the teams' fierce competitive spirits and the loud cheering of spectators around the lake kept the scene exciting.

The competition was held to honor the 10th Hanoi Sports Festival in 2022 as well as the 68th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day (October 10).

Nguyen Thi Minh Tam, 82, head of the Thang Long Vietnam drum art troupe, said that her crew did not get exhausted during the performance thanks to the vibrant atmosphere.

“The crowds of spectators were packed, the ambiance of Hanoi's Liberation Day was thrilling, and the entire street was bustling," Tam said.

“When we beat the drums in this environment, we forget about our exhaustion.”

Do Dinh Hong, director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, stated that the event aims to maintain and promote the national identity of the dragon boat sport.

"This year, there are many individuals and international teams participating, making the tournament not only a community event, but also a chance to promote tourism of the city and Vietnam," Hong said.

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