It is the first time the Kingdom of Thailand hosts the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. The International Dragon Boat Federation was founded in 1991 and curently lists 74 countries from across the globe as their members. The Championships are held biannually every odd year. In 2017, China and France hosted the event, and Hong Kong is scheduled to be the place for the races in 2021.
Dragon boat races enjoy great popularity in Thailand with festivals held throughout the year in different provinces. Hosting the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships is a great opportunity for Thai rowing athletes to increase their experience, represent their country, and become top athletes. This major world-class sporting event is also seen as a means of showcasing Thailand as a hub for sport tourism attracting more visitors to the country and generating much needed income for Pattaya as tourism industry in Thailand arguably is going through its hardest times at the moment.
The races take place on the Mabprachan Reservoir near Pattaya.
Thailand Hosts World Dragon Boat Racing Championships
News in Asia
The 14th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Dragon Boat Racing Championships are currently underway in the Thai province of Chonburi, which is also home to the famous seaside resort city of Pattaya.