Chinese Dragon boat races will be held on Kaban Lake in Kazan in August
On August 17, Kazan residents and guests of the city will enjoy an unusual and vivid spectacle – competitions on Chinese Dragon boats. All visitors of the Nizhny Kaban Lake embankment will be able to watch the races absolutely free of charge. This year, the Dragon Cup will be held as part of the III International Forum "SPROUTS: Russia and China have mutually beneficial cooperation."
"Every year, the cultural program of the ROSTKI forum is updated with new events. Chinese boat races will become more than just a spectacular event, thanks to which Kazan residents will be able to touch the culture of the Celestial Empire. Such competitions demonstrate the integration of cultures and mutual interest, strengthening business ties," said Taliya Minullina, Head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan.
At the moment, 16 teams from companies and departments have entered the race, including Megastroy, Korib, AVTOKAMA, PSB, Network Company, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Haier team from China and others. Any company can apply for participation until August 1, 2025, after which the team must find a canoe boat and decorate it in a bright Chinese style.
The Chinese Dragon boat Race is one of the most beautiful and significant holidays in China, which symbolizes team spirit, continuity of traditions and the desire to achieve common goals. The holiday is more than two thousand years old, and it is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The competition is being held in Kazan for the fourth time.
The number of participants and teams is increasing every year, and the competition is growing. 11 teams took part in the first competition, 16 in the second year, and 24 in the third. This year, the organizers expect that there will be no fewer of them than last year.
"The competition has been held for the third year in a row with the support of the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Kazan, Mr. Xiang Bo. Dragon boat racing is considered a national sport in China, and it is very popular there. Our competitions are, first of all, not about sports, but about friendship with China. The competition also includes a cultural program, which will feature master classes from students from China, national dances, a game of go, etc.," said Alexander Vasiliev, Executive Director of the Rowing and Canoeing Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan, chief judge of the competition.
The races take place on boats with a dragon's head mounted on the bow and its tail on the stern. There is a drummer in the ship who sets the tempo and rhythm of the movement, ten rowers and a helmsman on the karma who monitors the course. According to the rules, there should be one woman in each team.
Six boats will participate in each race. The winner is the boat whose bow crosses the finish line first.
More detailed information and the program of the forum can be found on the website: https://russiachinaforum.com
The Directorate of International Programs is the operator for the preparation and holding of the ROSTKI Forum