The 2026 Hanoi dragon-boat and stand-up paddleboarding event opened at West Lake on October 4, attracting nearly 900 athletes, including overseas participants. Hanoi's culture, sports and tourism department organised the competition with Vietnam Airlines. Dragon-boat heats began after the opening ceremony. The event forms part of activities commemorating the capital's Liberation Day and promoting Hanoi's autumn season, bringing competitive water sports into the city's public cultural programme.