Ngo boat teams enthusiastically practice towards Ok-Om-Bok Festival

Many people came to watch the boat team practice session at Prek On Dok pagoda, Nhu Gia commune ( Can Tho city ).

At Prek On Dok Pagoda (Nhu Gia Commune), at around 5 p.m. every day, the Ngo boat team gathers more than 100 athletes to warm up on land, then go down to the water training platform. Thach Phuong, an athlete of the team, shared: “This is the first time I have participated in training with my teammates, I feel very happy. In each training session, everyone tries their best. Ngo boat is not only a sport , but also a tradition that has been attached to the Khmer people for generations. This year, the pagoda has invested in a new Ngo boat. My teammates and I are determined to practice well to compete in the upcoming race.”

According to the elders, Prek On Dok Pagoda used to have a famous ngo boat team, participating in many races in the Ok-Om-Bok Festival, leaving many impressions in the hearts of fans. However, for many reasons, the team gradually disappeared, leaving regrets in the hearts of Buddhist followers. This year, the return of the dugout ngo boat worth more than 500 million VND marks an effort to restore the movement.

Venerable Lam Chanh Sam Nang, Deputy Abbot of Prek On Dok Pagoda, excitedly said: “Although this is a new team, the athletes are united and enthusiastic in training. Many households also contribute and provide drinking water for the athletes. Every afternoon, the pagoda's training area is bustling like a festival, the sound of whistles and cheers echoes throughout the canal. This is a great source of encouragement for the team to confidently enter the season, with the determination to compete with all their might for the pride of the locality.”

The training atmosphere is also gradually heating up in Tan Thanh commune (Can Tho city), where the Bang Kro Chap Thmay pagoda boat team has been training diligently for more than a month. Mr. Tang Thanh Hoai, the team's coach, said: "Practicing is tiring, but it's fun! Because I see the athletes participating in training regularly and seriously. Compared to previous years, this year the training days are longer, and the swimming techniques are also renewed. We are determined to bring to the festival an exciting competition."

The common point of the Ngo boat teams is the spirit of urgency and perseverance. Most of the athletes are young men, who still practice enthusiastically after tiring hours of production labor. Some are farmers, some are workers... but when sitting together on the boat, they all become one, working towards a common goal. Venerable Thach Hong, Abbot of Serey Kandal Pagoda (Vinh Phuoc Ward), shared: "Each racing season is a time for us to bond. The feeling of being in sync with each other, cheering together under the sunset is an unforgettable memory. The pagoda always encourages athletes to practice well, maintain a noble sportsmanship spirit and promote national cultural values."

Ok-Om-Bok Festival - Traditional Ngo boat racing is not only an occasion for the Khmer community to enjoy the full moon festival, but also a large-scale cultural and tourist event, promising to attract a large number of visitors. Therefore, from this moment, Ngo boat teams are actively preparing, not only to compete but also to dedicate to the audience beautiful, dramatic performances, imbued with traditional cultural identity.

Article and photos: THACH PIC

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/cac-doi-ghe-ngo-hang-say-tap-luyen-huong-ve-le-hoi-ok-om-bok-a191206.html