On February 2, 2026, the Xilin Lake Ice Venue in Xilinhot City, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, hosted an exhilarating ice sports

competition — the Five Continents Ice Dragon Boat Challenge officially commenced here. A total of 29 teams and nearly 600 ice dragon boat athletes from 21 countries and regions across the world including China,

Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia gathered on the snow-covered grasslands for a top-tier showdown

of speed, strength and teamwork. Marking a truly global gathering and championship of ice dragon boat racing, the event is filled

with passionate competitive spirit despite the bitter cold wind.

      The event is hosted by the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation and the Administrative Office of Xilingol League, and undertaken by

the Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television of Xilingol League and the People’s Government of Xilinhot City. Competitions include the 100-meter and 200-meter straight races for 12-person ice dragon boats, the 100-meter straight race for 5-person

ice dragon boats, as well as the highly challenging and spectacular 400-meter drifting race for 12-person ice dragon boats. These events

fully test athletes’ explosive power, endurance and maneuvering skills.

       At the opening ceremony, Luo Zhongyi, President of the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation, Meri Gabson, Vice President

of the International Dragon Boat Federation, Wu Hao, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation,

together with relevant leaders of Xilingol League and Xilinhot City, attended the event to inaugurate the competition. During the solemn eye-dotting ceremony, guests dotted the eyes of the dragon boats with cinnabar paint. This practice carries

on the cultural heritage of dragon boat sports, and embodies sincere wishes for the smooth running of the event and the

athletes’ strenuous efforts in the races.

As the starting signal sounded, the races officially began. The ice surface was smooth as a mirror, and ice poles moved in perfect unison. One ice dragon boat after another cut through

the ice like arrows released from bows. Shouts, cheers and the crisp clangs of ice poles striking the ice interwove into an inspiring melody across the snowy grasslands.

Teams raced neck and neck, competing for every split second. They unleashed full power in short-distance events and displayed

superb control and coordination in drifting races. Every sprint and overtaking moment held the audience spellbound. With its unique

form and striking visual impact, ice dragon boat racing fully demonstrated its unparalleled sporting charm.

     Luo Zhongyi, President of the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation, stated: "Athletes from across the globe compete together here.

They are rivals, yet more importantly, partners jointly promoting the development of ice dragon boat sports. This competition is a contest of

speed, an exchange of skills, and a gathering of friendship."

The ice surface of Xilin Lake is ablaze with sprinting races and radiant with strenuous efforts. It is an intercontinental ice competition, as well as a global grand gathering united by ice dragon boat sports. Events come to an end, yet perseverance never fades. With its speed and passion, ice dragon boat racing is carving an increasingly

distinctive path on the world’s ice and snow stage. As its global event map continues to expand, every step forward in the

development of ice dragon boat sports is building momentum for its future Olympic aspiration.