More than 700 athletes from 36 teams competed for the trophy in the Suzhou River Dragon Boat Races

The 20th Shanghai Suzhou Creek Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament will take place at the Mengqing Garden water areas in Putuo district, Shanghai, from June 1 to 2.

Co-organized by the Shanghai Sports Federation and the Putuo District Government, this annual dragon boat event was exclusively introduced and promoted during the opening ceremony of the third Suhe Sports and Life Festival at the Suzhou Creek Half Marathon Park on May 24.

Since its establishment in 2001, the Suzhou Creek competition has evolved into a significant traditional activity during the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on June 10 this year, in Shanghai, gaining recognition as a prominent urban dragon boat event in China.

This year's tournament has seen an expanded participation, with high-level teams from countries such as Russia and France, as well as teams from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, alongside expatriate teams based in Shanghai. A total of 36 teams comprising over 700 athletes will vie for the championship across four categories.

Engineer Madi from Colombia, a Shanghai expatriate, made his debut in the race in 2018. Initially captivated by Chinese dragon boat culture, he and his teammates, primarily expats from diverse backgrounds in Shanghai, have developed a growing passion for the sport.

Madi said they have been diligently training for the upcoming race. "We will do our best to perform at our best level, enjoy this event, and embrace the dragon boat culture," he said.