Dragon Boat series concludes in Hainan after two-day finals

The 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port Rural Dragon Boat Series concluded on Sunday in Wanning, drawing more than 300,000 people and an international field of 872 athletes from 27 countries and regions.

The two-day finals, held on Saturday and Sunday, attracted more than 260,000 online viewers and nearly 40,000 in-person spectators. A total of 38 teams registered, bringing together dragon boat enthusiasts from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Belarus, Russia, Italy, and the United States, as well as China's Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Organizers described the event as a platform for sports competition and cultural exchange.

The series began Aug 8 with a qualifying regatta in Chengmai and spanned nearly two months across seven cities and counties in Hainan province, wrapping up during the National Day holiday.

Jimmy, the steersman of the Manila Dragon Boat Team of the Philippines, which finished third in the invitational division, said he was especially pleased with the result.

"Thank you very much to the organizing committee for inviting us to compete. This is a great opportunity," he said after the race. "This is our second time coming to Hainan for a dragon boat race. Hainan is beautiful, and Wanning's scenery is beautiful too. We are very happy to win an award."