Traditional boat race in Dak Lak attracts crowds

A traditional boat race was held on Lak lake, in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, on March 14 as part of activities held under the framework of the seventh ongoing Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival.

Rowers competing in the double-scull event. (Photo: NDO/Nguyen Cong Ly)
Rowers competing in the double-scull event. (Photo: NDO/Nguyen Cong Ly)

Boat race is a traditional practice which has been preserved for generations among the M’nong ethnic community around Lak Lake.

This year’s event drew the participation of nearly 90 athletes from 19 teams, who competed in the three categories of double-scull, three-person race, and quadruple scull.

The race stimulated much cheer among local residents and visitors alike.

According to Vice Chairman of Dak Lak provincial People’s Committee, Vo Van Canh, the boat race offered an opportunity for the competitors to show off their rowing skills as well as to advertise the time-honoured culture of the M’nong people and local tourism potential to visitors at home and abroad, thus attracting more investment to the locality.

Y Dai Long Jing, a member of Lien Son town’s team said that boats have been used as a traditional means of transport and fishing by M’nong people for many generations.

He expressed his hope that the event would contribute to introducing the public to a unique cultural practice of a local ethnic minority group while raising public awareness in preserving the traditional culture for future generations.