On May 12, the 4^th International Student Dragon Boat Friendship Race of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, jointly organized by the School of Physical Education and the School of International Education, was held at the Dragon Boat Training Base by Yujia Lake. More than 120 international students from 27 departments and 50 countries participated in the race, forming six dragon boat teams named Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, and Goat after the Chinese zodiac animals. Zhan Yiqing, Vice President of HUST, Ma Jianhui, Vice Chair of the University Committee and other university leaders attended the opening ceremony.

Zhan Yiqing delivered the opening speech, highlighting that HUST promotes dragon boat sports with its geographical advantages. The International Student Dragon Boat Friendship Race is one of the classic series of activities. International students can experience the dragon boat spirit and gain insights into the excellent traditional Chinese culture through dragon boat culture lectures and on-site competitions. Zhan Yiqing hoped that international students could uphold the spirit of solidarity and cooperation embodied in dragon boat racing.

Following the starting command whistle, six dragon boat teams braved the wind and waves with unwavering spirit and boundless energy. After two rounds of intense competition, the Horse Team won the gold medal, the Goat Team claimed the silver, and the Tiger Team bagged the bronze.

Tthe International Student Dragon Boat Friendship Race has been held since 2020. With dragon boat culture and dragon boat spirit as the core, it has gradually become an important brand of HUST’s special activities tailored for international students. By combining excellent traditional culture with modern competitive spirit, abundant activities such as daily training, dragon boat culture lectures, and dragon boat races, have attracted a large number of international students to participate.

Written by: Re Mila

Edited by: Yang Kunjie, Chang Wen, Peng Yumeng