The "female swimmers" are enthusiastically practicing for the 2025 Ngo boat racing season.

Joining the bustling atmosphere of the Ooc Om Boc festival - Ngo boat racing in 2025, female boat teams in the Southern Khmer region are also diligently practicing, ready to compete in the biggest tournament of the year, taking place in Can Tho city.

The female Ngo boat "swimmers" are working hard in "sprint" training to prepare for the upcoming season. Photo: Mr. Chu

In the afternoon, at the river wharf in front of O Chum Aram Prek Chek Pagoda (Nga Nam Ward, Can Tho City), dozens of women regularly gather in the water to practice their physical strength and technique. The sound of splashing water, the sound of whistles and cheers create a bustling atmosphere, no less fierce than that of the men's teams.

Trying to practice "sprint" to improve technique and physical strength before the competition day. Photo: Mr. Chu

Image of female Ngo boat athletes of O Chum pagoda in conical hats practicing every afternoon.
Photo: Mr. Chu

The female athletes are mostly local people – farmers, workers, housewives, some even grandmothers, but they all share a passion for the traditional sport of the nation. When the time comes, they put aside their daily work to practice, hoping to bring glory to their locality.

With each whistle, the practice atmosphere became bustling, echoing throughout the river.
Photo: Mr. Chu

Female athletes at O ​​Chum Pagoda practice technique and physical strength. Photo: Mr. Chu

Mr. Luu Tan, Captain of the O Chum Pagoda women's boat team, said: "Although everyone is busy with their own work, for more than half a month now, the team has been practicing regularly to improve their endurance and technique. Our team won the 2017 and 2022 seasons, so the women are determined to repeat the achievement."

The sisters' fans during practice. Photo: Mr. Chu

In each season, female athletes always show confidence and give their all on the turbulent race track. Photo: Tuan Quang

A moment of rest after a hard workout. Photo: Mr. Chu

Laughter during practice. Photo: Mr. Chu

The annual Ngo boat race in Soc Trang (now Can Tho City) gathers thousands of athletes and attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists to watch. Photo: Tuan Quang

The 2025 Can Tho City Ngo Boat Race has the participation of 61 teams, including 53 men's teams (competing in the 1,200m distance) and 8 women's teams (competing in the 1,000m distance). The tournament takes place within the framework of the Ooc Om Boc Festival, from November 4 to 5 at the grandstand on the Maspero River.

The opening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on November 3 at Bach Dang Square, Phu Loi Ward. In addition to the Ngo boat race, the festival will also feature many special activities such as the Moon Worshiping Ceremony, releasing water lanterns (Loiprotip), Ca Hau boat performance, Ocop fair, street food and folk games.

TUAN QUANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/cac-tay-boi-nu-soi-noi-tap-luyen-cho-mua-giai-dua-ghe-ngo-2025-post821258.html