A traditional boat race was organised early morning on April 24^th, which added to the bustling atmosphere of the ongoing Hung Kings Temple Festival in northern Phu Tho province.

Athletes spare no efforts in the race. (VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tung)

Hundreds of local people and tourists gathered on the banks of Lo River to cheer up nearly 200 athletes from six teams, namely Bach Hac 1, Bach Hac 2, Duu Lau, Phuong Lau, Trung Vuong and Song Lo.

Bach Hac 1 won the race, while Bach Hac 2 and Song Lo secured the second and third positions, respectively.

Traditional boat race is a custom reflecting the artful practice of navy troops under the rule of the Hung kings.

According to historical documents, during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), Tran Nhat Duat (1255-1330), who was the sixth son of King Tran Thai Tong and younger brother of Tran Thanh Tong, was assigned to train navy forces in Bach Hac River.

Thirty years later, with his strong defence system in Tam Giang-Bach Hac, Duat led his navy troops to historic victories over foreign invaders, including a three-time victory against Yuan Mongol invaders.

A traditional boat race has been held every year since then to remind the Vietnamese people of their heroes.

Nguyen Thu Hien, head of Viet Tri City’s Deparment of Culture and Information, said the purpose of continuing the race in the present time was to preserve the traditional sport and promote a sense of patriotism.

“Besides being a key part of Hung Kings Temple Festival, the race will also be proposed to be recognised as the national intangible cultural heritage,” she said.

On the same day, at the Hung Kings Temple Relic Site, the festival organisers presented offerings to ancestors sent from Hanoi and Thai Nguyen cities and Phu Tho province.

At 8pm on April 24^th, the Hung Vuong Cup Volleyball Tournament will be kicked off at Viet Tri City Gymnasium.

The festival will conclude on April 25^th and is expected to receive eight million visitors in four days./.

The traditional boat race has been held every year to remind the Vietnamese people of their heroes. (VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tung)

The boat race aims to preserve the traditional sport and promote a sense of patriotism. (VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tung)

Team Bach Hac 1 won the first prize. (Photo: laodong.vn)

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