The "female racers" in the traditional boat race.

For a long time, boat racing during the Ok Om Bok festival has been a unique and captivating traditional sport of the Khmer people. On the race track, the women are always enthusiastic and give their all, not inferior to their male counterparts.

Female traditional boat racers from Ca Nhung Pagoda, Dinh Hoa commune, are actively practicing. Photo: TIEU DIEN

For over a month now, the atmosphere at several temples in communes such as Go Quao, Dinh Hoa, and Rach Gia ward has been quite lively, as the traditional boat racers are actively training to participate in the boat race during the Ok Om Bok festival held in Go Quao commune. Around 5 PM, we arrived at Ca Nhung Temple in Dinh Hoa commune, where the training atmosphere of the men's and women's boat teams was very enthusiastic.

The female swimmers train just as enthusiastically as the men's traditional boat racing team. On a wooden frame simulating a traditional boat, the female swimmers diligently work on their physical fitness and practice sprints. Their rhythmic shouts, combined with the coach's whistle, create a powerful and energetic symphony.

Being here, we truly felt the passion these women have for this traditional sport . For over half a month now, the women's traditional boat racing team of Ca Nhung Pagoda has been planning and gathering athletes for training. Because most of the female athletes work during the day and take care of their children and families, training sessions start around 5 PM and continue until evening. Despite their different jobs, they all make time to train. Everyone is determined and hopes that the mixed men's and women's boat racing team will achieve high results in this year's competition.

With the spirit of giving her best on the race track during the festival season, Ms. Thi Chau, residing in Hoa My hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune, a female athlete of the Ca Nhung pagoda's boat team, excitedly shared: "For more than half a month now, our women's boat team has been diligently practicing. We practice for about two hours each day. In the beginning, it was quite tiring, but after two days, the women in the team have developed endurance. Everyone is very excited, eager, and determined to win this year's competition."

Arriving early, Mrs. Thi Duoc, residing in Hoa Tao hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune, was preparing drinks for the athletes during training. She is one of the veteran female athletes who has participated in the Ca Nhung pagoda's traditional boat racing team for over 10 years. Despite being over 60 years old, Mrs. Duoc remains healthy, agile, and enthusiastic about traditional boat racing. This year, her family has four members participating in the boat race.

Ms. Được shared: “For the past 10 years, whenever the traditional boat racing season comes around, no matter what, I always make time to train with my teammates. Coming here to train and share experiences with everyone makes me happy. I want to participate to contribute to preserving and promoting the beautiful traditional culture of the Khmer people. I look forward to the competition day so I can give my best.”

The sun was setting, but the passionate spirit of the women's traditional boat racing team remained undiminished. The coach's whistle echoed steadily, each oar raised and lowered rhythmically and decisively. More than just training for the race, this was also an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and foster cultural pride among the Khmer people.

“I’ve participated in the traditional boat race for three consecutive years. I really enjoy this traditional sport of my ethnic group. It only happens once a year, so I try my best to participate,” shared Ms. Thi Hoa, a resident of Hoa Tao hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune.

Mr. Danh Ngui, head of the Ca Nhung Pagoda's traditional boat racing club, said: "Compared to previous years, this year the athletes have come to training in greater numbers and with higher determination. The female athletes participating this year are veterans with many years of experience on the race track. The athletes are also very hardworking and united. After a period of training, the athletes have gradually improved their physical fitness and developed better coordination. To date, preparations are basically complete, and the Ca Nhung Pagoda's traditional boat racing team is just waiting for the day to participate in the festival."

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