Exciting competition at the largest Ngo boat race in the West

The tournament had the participation of 60 ngo boat teams, of which Soc Trang had 48 teams including 45 men's teams and 3 women's teams, while Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Kien Giang had 12 teams (8 men's teams and 4 women's teams).

At noon on November 14, the Ngo boat racing competition within the framework of the 6th Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo boat racing in Soc Trang, Mekong Delta region and the first Soc Trang Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, 2024 officially opened in Ward 8, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province.

The Ngo boat racing festival of the Khmer people in Soc Trang province was included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoi - Vice Chairman of Soc Trang Provincial People's Committee, Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo boat racing is a unique traditional cultural beauty of the Khmer people in the South in general and Soc Trang province in particular.

This is an annual festival held by the province, aiming to create a joyful atmosphere and solidarity among ethnic groups in the region, thereby contributing to preserving and promoting the fine traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people in the South.

At the opening ceremony, the organizers presented souvenir flags and supported each boat team participating in the race with 30 million VND.

After the opening ceremony, the ghe ngo teams entered the group stage matches one after another amid the enthusiastic cheers of tens of thousands of spectators.

Some photos taken at the largest Ngo boat race in the West:

The audience stood on both sides of the river, many people chose to stand on tall buildings, treetops... to watch comfortably.

In 2022, Ngo boat racing was recognized by the Vietnam Guinness Organization as a record sport "with the largest number of Ngo boats and athletes in Vietnam from 2005 to present".

Previously, dragon boat racing was only for men, women were not allowed to participate. Since 2013, women have been allowed to participate and have their own prize structure.

The closing ceremony of the Ngo boat race will take place on the afternoon of November 15.

Clip captures the exciting atmosphere at the tournament.

Soc Trang's Ngo boat racing festival is closely linked to the history, culture and beliefs of the Khmer community. It reflects the desire for a peaceful and prosperous life through praying to the Moon God and organizing boat races.

Soc Trang's Ngo boat racing festival also plays an important role in community activities, contributing to educating about solidarity, discipline and training endurance to help people develop comprehensively in both virtue and talent.

The Ngo boat has the shape of a Naga snake in Hinduism, about 25-30m long and about 1.1m wide at its widest.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/tranh-tai-soi-noi-tai-giai-dua-ghe-ngo-lon-nhat-mien-tay-19224110621042712.htm