According to a statement by the Sports Bureau (ID) on Friday, China Nanhai Jiujiang’s paddlers successfully defended both the Open and Women’s titles at the SJM Macau International Dragon Boat Races 2026 that day, which took place at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.
Co-organised by the bureau, SJM Resorts and the Dragon Boat Association of Macao-China, the final day of competition featured the Macau International Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race Open and Women’s categories, as well as the Macau University Student Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race, the statement said.
The Open category grand final brought together six leading teams, including the Macao-China Selection Team, Thailand National Team and defending champions China Nanhai Jiujiang, the statement noted.
The Chinese mainland team led throughout the race and crossed the finish line in 1:48.485, breaking the tournament record and securing another championship, the statement noted, adding that the Thailand National Team finished second in 1:50.143, while Hengqin Jiangke Dragon Boat Club claimed third place in 1:51.022.
China Nanhai Jiujiang also dominated the women’s category final, successfully defending its title for a 12th consecutive year, the statement noted, pointing out that the team completed the 500-metre course in 1:59.193, ahead of Thailand National Team and Singapore National Team, which finished second and third respectively.
In the Macau University Student Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race, Tianjin University of Sport (TJUS) captured the title with a time of 1:55.808. Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) placed second, while the University of Macau (UM) secured third, the statement noted.
According to the statement, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai attended the event, watched the races and presided over the eye-dotting and prize presentation ceremonies. The Central People’s Government’s top officials posted to the Macaui Special Administrative Region (MSAR), Liaison Office Director Zheng Xincong and Foreign Ministry Commissioner Bian Lixin, also attended the event.
Beyond the sporting action, organisers partnered with the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) to present “Art Everywhere – Cultural Vibes at the Weekend”, transforming the lakeside venue into a cultural carnival celebrating dragon boat racing, which is listed on Macau’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the statement added.
In addition, traditional performances, including the Drunken Dragon Dance and lion dance displays, were staged alongside interactive workshops, cultural booths and family-friendly activities at Anim’Arte NAM VAN.
The event combined elite international competition with cultural heritage activities, highlighting Macau’s efforts to integrate sports, tourism and culture, the statement noted.
This handout photo provided by the Sports Bureau (ID) shows Macau SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai presenting a silk banner to the China Nanhai Jiujiang team after their victory in the standard dragon boat race under the Open category of the 2026 Macao International Dragon Boat Races in Nam Van (Praia Grande) on Friday.
