The "beauties" racing dragon boats

Female boat racers of Ca Nhung pagoda, Dinh Hoa commune actively practice. Photo: TIEU DIEN

Over the past month, at some pagodas in communes such as Go Quao, Dinh Hoa, Rach Gia ward... the atmosphere has been quite bustling, because the Ngo boat racing athletes are actively practicing to participate in the Ngo boat racing competition on the occasion of Ok Om Bok festival taking place in Go Quao commune. At nearly 5:00 p.m., we arrived at Ca Nhung pagoda, Dinh Hoa commune, the training atmosphere of the male and female Ngo boat racing teams was very exciting.

The female swimmers practiced with the same enthusiasm as the male boat racing team. On the wooden frame imitating the boat, the female swimmers diligently trained their physical strength and practiced sprints. The rhythmic shouts combined with the coach’s whistle created a powerful, enthusiastic symphony.

Being here, we could feel the enthusiasm that the "beautiful ladies" have for this traditional sport . For more than half a month now, the female boat racing team of Ca Nhung Pagoda has been implementing a plan, gathering athletes to participate in training. Because most of the female athletes have to go to work during the day, take care of their children and family, the training session starts from around 5 pm to the evening. Although each person has a different job, they all try to be present to practice. Everyone is determined with the expectation that the combined male and female boat racing team participating in this year's tournament will achieve high results.

With the spirit of trying her best on the racetrack during the festival season, Ms. Thi Chau, residing in Hoa My hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune, a female boat athlete of Ca Nhung pagoda, excitedly shared: “For more than half a month now, our female boat team has been practicing hard. We practice about 2 hours a day. The first few days were quite tiring, but after 2 days, the women in the team have built up their endurance. Everyone is very excited, eager and determined to win this year's season.”

Arriving early, Mrs. Thi Duoc, residing in Hoa Tao hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune, was preparing drinking water for the athletes to practice. She is one of the veteran female athletes who has participated in the Ca Nhung pagoda's boat racing team for over 10 years. Although she is 60 years old, Mrs. Duoc is still healthy, flexible and enthusiastic about boat racing. This year, her family has 4 members participating in the boat racing tournament.

Ms. Duoc shared: “For the past 10 years, every time the Ngo boat racing season comes, no matter what, I always take the time to practice with my teammates. Coming here to practice and share experiences with everyone makes me happy. I want to participate to contribute to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural beauty of the Khmer people. I look forward to the competition day to give my all.”

The sun was slowly setting but the enthusiasm of the female boat racing team was still there. The coach's whistle sounded regularly, each beam was raised and lowered rhythmically and decisively. This was not only a practice for the race, but also an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and foster cultural pride among the Khmer people.

“I have participated in the Ngo boat racing for 3 consecutive years. I really like the traditional Ngo boat racing of my people. It only happens once a year, so I try to participate,” said Ms. Thi Hoa, residing in Hoa Tao hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune.

Mr. Danh Ngui - Head of the Ca Nhung Pagoda Boat Club said: "Compared to previous years, this year the athletes came to practice in larger numbers, with higher determination. The female boat racing athletes participating this year are veterans, with many years of experience on the race track. The athletes also tried very hard and were united. After a period of practice, the athletes gradually improved their physical strength and had a good rhythm. Up to now, the basic preparations have been completed, the Ca Nhung Pagoda boat racing team is just waiting for the day to participate in the festival."

Small Farm

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nhung-bong-hong-dua-ghe-ngo-a466025.html