Hong Kong is recognised as the birthplace of modern competitive dragon boat racing and is known internationally as a leading dragon boat competition destination. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (then the Hong Kong Tourist Association) organised the first international dragon boat races in 1976. The International Dragon Boat Federation was established in Hong Kong in 1991 as the worldwide governing body for the sport. The Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association was also established in the same year to represent the interests of Hong Kong in the Federation and to promote and develop dragon boat racing in Hong Kong.

Over the years, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (HKIDBR) has become an important event in the sporting calendar. Besides a sport event, HKIDBR is successful in attracting hundreds of thousands of the general public and overseas visitors to appreciate the exciting sports and the authentic culture behind dragon boat races.

In 2023, for the first time, cash prizes will be awarded to the winning teams in the five major races. Teams travelling to Hong Kong will experience the unique dragon boat racing in the sea against the backdrop of beautiful Hong Kong skyline. In collaboration with Macao, selected strong teams competing in the Macao International Dragon Boat Races (22 Jun) and IDBR (24-25 Jun) will be contending for the inaugural Hong Kong-Macao Trophy in Hong Kong. The event will also continue to nurture the inter-city relations among the Greater Bay Area cities, teams from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region will compete for the coveted Greater Bay Area Championship in Hong Kong. Besides, local dragon boat teams will vie for glory at the Hong Kong Championship.

For more information

The above information is provided by Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association.