The International Canoe Federation is excited to stage two major Dragon Boat events in China this year where a tantalising prize pot totalling around $100,000 USD will be on offer.
Yuanling in the Hunan province has been chosen to hold the ICF Dragon Boat World Cup from September 25 to 27.
This will be followed by the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships which will take place from September 30 to October 3 in Hangzhou in the Zhejiang province.
The two events create a back-to back double showcase of international Dragon Boat competition in China and two opportunities for paddlers to secure a slice of the overall prize pot.
The ICF Dragon Boat World Cup in Yuanling will offer a total prize money of around $50,000 USD.
Dragon Boat has been practiced in Yuanling for more than 2,000 years, with its unique tradition of racing across waterways pre-dating the Dragon Boat folk rituals commemorating Qu Yuan by several centuries.
Open and mixed eight-seater and 10-seater races will take place in Yuanling competing over the distances of 200m, 500m and 2000m.
There will also be a Dragon Boat marathon event over 14km for open 10-seater crews.
The Fuyang Water Sports Centre in Hangzhou is the location of this year’s ICF Dragon Boat World Championships with prizes totalling around $50,000 USD.
The competition programme will include open, women and mixed categories with eight-seater and 10-seater races over 200m, 500m and 2000m.
Fuyang has developed a strong reputation as a hub for international paddle sport, with its natural setting and established competition venues having previously hosted canoeing events during the Asian Games in 2023 as well as the ICF Hangzhou Super Cup in 2024.
Its blend of scenic waterways and sporting heritage has helped make it a recurring choice for major events, offering athletes a setting where performance and the natural environment come together in a distinctive way.
“It is amazing to have the World Championships in China, and to be able to showcase the sport at such a fantastic venue,” said Dr. Wai-Hung Luk, Chair of the ICF Dragon Boat Committee.
“We hope the prize money will provide an extra incentive for athletes to travel and compete, and to help raise the overall level of competition on our waters in Hangzhou.”
“The World Cup adds another great opportunity for paddlers to chase international success, while serving as a stepping stone on the journey to Hangzhou.”
For more information and entry details on the ICF Dragon Boat World Cup in Yuanling, click here.
For more information and entry details on the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Hangzhou, click here.
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