"Pokhara Hosts Successful Nepal-China Dragon Boat Race Festival"

Pokhara, Nepal - The picturesque Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal, witnessed a vibrant display of camaraderie and competition as the first Nepal-China Dragon Boat Race Festival took place on Friday morning. The tranquil waters of Phewa Lake transformed into a lake of joy as eight dragon boat teams fiercely competed against each other, captivating spectators with their synchronized rowing and spirited enthusiasm.

The event showcased the natural beauty of the region, with the magnificent Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range providing a stunning backdrop, creating a captivating atmosphere for the boat racing spectacle. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the rowers, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the drums, showcased their strength and determination, propelling their dragon-shaped boats towards the finish lines, creating waves of excitement along the way.

The participating teams consisted of one drummer, one coxswain, and ten rowers each. Among the eight teams, there were four Nepali teams, two Chinese teams, one team from Singapore, and one team comprising both Nepali and Chinese nationals. The spectators, both on the banks of the lake and in boats, enthusiastically waved the national flags of Nepal and China, passionately cheering for their favorite teams.

The first day of the competition featured preliminary rounds for the 200m and 500m races. The semi-finals and final races are scheduled to take place the following day, intensifying the competition and setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the dragon boat race festival.

Prior to the commencement of the boat racing, a historic moment unfolded at Pokhara International Airport, as a Sichuan Airlines charter flight became the first international flight to land at Nepal's third international airport since its inauguration in January. This milestone further strengthened the ties between Pokhara and its sister city, Linzhi, in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

To celebrate the dragon boat race festival, artists from Linzhi were invited to showcase their talents and hold special performances, adding an extra touch of cultural exchange to the event. The festival's opening ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent figures, including Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, who conveyed best wishes on behalf of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, emphasized the enduring historical and cultural ties between China and Nepal, which continue to nurture a strong friendship between the two nations and their people.

Chen Song expressed his belief that the festival would serve as a catalyst to further strengthen bilateral relations and promote the Global Civilization Initiative. He also highlighted the event's role in enhancing Nepal's tourism industry and raising awareness about Pokhara as a remarkable destination in China and the rest of the world.

Participants and spectators alike expressed their joy and excitement. Rajendra Pariyar, a member of a Nepali team, expressed his happiness at participating in the boat racing for the first time alongside international teams. He expressed his team's commitment to practice even harder in the future. Sarala Adhikari, a spectator, shared her enjoyment of the event and believed that it played a significant role in fostering the Nepal-China friendship.

As the dragon boat race festival continues to unfold, it promises to strengthen the bonds between Nepal and China, fostering a greater sense of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.