The 2026 ICF Dragon Boat World Cup came to a close in Yuanling, Huaihua, on September 27.

A total of 24 teams participated in the races, including 16 national and regional teams and three neutral teams. They competed in 13 events on the Yuanjiang River and the Youshui River. Local teams from Yuanling competed against strong rivals from multiple countries, claiming several medals. In the newly added 14-kilometer dragon boat marathon, the Ukrainian team won gold, the Myanmar team took silver, and the Yuanling Jietan Tea Dragon Boat Team claimed bronze.

The event received high praise from foreign athletes and international guests for its organization and supporting services. With dragon boat racing as a vehicle, it promoted international sports and cultural exchange while showcasing Yuanling's intangible cultural heritage of dragon boat racing to the world.

After the event, traditional dragon boat races are set to be held in Yuanling from September 28 to 30. The local authorities will leverage this international dragon boat event to enhance the cultural IPs of dragon boat racing and the Mountain of Chinese Learning (Eryou Mountain), promoting the integrated development of sports, culture, and tourism, and inviting tourists from home and abroad to visit.