A Chinese team claimed victory in the second edition of the International Dragon Boat Race Festival held on Phewa Lake, Pokhara, defeating Nepali team in the final.

Dongguan Laoyu Club from China secured double titles in both the 200-metre and 500-metre races, earning a cash prize of $10,000. The team completed the 200-metre race in 00:47:720 seconds and the 500-metre race in 2:04.47 minutes to emerge as champions.

In the 200-metre category, Yunnan Minzu University Team, also from China, finished second with a time of 00:48:220 seconds, while Liaocheng University Team secured third place with a time of 00:50:830 seconds. Yunnan Normal University Team came in fourth, completing the race in 00:51:160 seconds.

In the 500-metre race, Liaocheng University Team finished as runners-up with a time of 2:07:34 minutes, followed by Wuhan University Team in third place at 2:08:44 minutes.

The competition saw participants from Nepal, China, and Singapore, with a total of 20 teams, including eight from China, one from Singapore, and 11 from Nepal. Nepali teams included representatives from Gandaki, Bagmati, and Karnali provinces, as well as Tribhuvan Army Club and other local teams.

The winners in both categories were awarded trophies, medals, certificates, and $5,000, while runners-up received $2,000, and third-placed teams were given $1,200. Other participating teams received $500 each.

The event, jointly organised by Gandaki Province, Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and the Nepal Tourism Board, aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening cultural ties between Nepal and China.

“This festival not only enhances the relationship between the two countries but also helps attract Chinese tourists to Nepal,” said Dhan Raj Acharya, mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City.

Eight dragon boats were specially brought from China for the competition. The festival, inaugurated on Sunday, featured races alongside cultural performances and food exhibitions representing Nepal and China.

The first edition of the festival was held in June 2023, also supported by the Chinese government.