Second Dragon Boat Race Festival begins in Pokhara

By Padhindra Adhikari, Pokhara, Dec 29: The International Dragon Boat Race Festival has commenced today at Phewa Lake in Pokhara, a touristic hub in western Nepal.

20 groups are competing in the race, which is the second edition of its kind. There are 11 groups representing different sectors from Nepal, 8 groups representing different provinces of China and one group from Singapore.

The first phase of competition of 500 meters and 200 meters was held on Sunday while on Monday, semi-final and final phase of competition will be held.

Gandaki Provincial Government, Pokhara Metropolis, Chinese Embassy in Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board are the organisers of the race. As joint-organisers are Nepal Dragon Boat Association, Pokhara Tourism Council and Overseas Chinese Association Pokhara.

The winner in the race will get five thousand US Dollar, the second will get two thousand USD while the third will receive USD 1,200. Participating other groups will also get USD 500 as incentives.