On October 4, nearly 900 domestic and international athletes competed in the Hanoi Open 2026 dragon boat and SUP race on West Lake, marking the 72nd anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital on October 10.
This year's event featured 48 dragon boat teams and 150 SUP athletes, including 29 international competitors. Teams came from a range of countries, provinces and cities, embassies, international organisations, universities, businesses and clubs.
A total of 150 SUP athletes took part, including 29 international competitors, all racing with intensity and enthusiasm.
The event drew large crowds of local residents and foreign visitors, who came to watch and cheer on the athletes and racing teams.
On the afternoon of October 4, the semi-finals and finals in the SUP and dragon boat events unfolded in a lively and dramatic atmosphere among dozens of teams.
One of the event's distinctive features was the participation of teams from embassies, international organisations and student associations representing countries including the United States, Germany, Australia, Britain and Denmark.
Teams pushed hard in the closing metres of the dragon boat race in an effort to surge across the finish line.
Cheers rang out across West Lake as athletes celebrated exuberantly after finishing first, with victory margins measured only in seconds.
In the university dragon boat category, the Water Resources University team won gold after several tense rounds of racing.
A South Korean female athlete celebrates victory after finishing first in the women's SUP event.
Spectators cheered and congratulated the athletes and teams as the races concluded.
Organisers awarded first prize to the Tay Ho team after its victory in the dragon boat event. Dozens of other athletes and teams were also honoured.
