Some 4,000 paddlers and thousands of spectators braved rainy conditions in Tsim Sha Tsui on Saturday as the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races resumed for the first time in four years after a Covid-imposed hiatus.

Teams from as far away as Australia, Poland, Dubai and Thailand flew in for the two-day event on Victoria Harbour, which features more than 70 races.

"The International Dragon Boat Races showed that Hong Kong is a place primed to host mega events," said Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the event organiser, the Hong Kong Tourism Board

"Actually, many people look forward to this special event in Hong Kong every year...This event reignites the interest of tourists in the races, the Tuen Ng Festival, as well as dragon boats, so many people will come to see the races."

Spectators and competitors RTHK spoke to were excited to have the event back, despite the damp weather.

"It's absolutely awesome to see that everyone's able to watch and be out and about even with the bad weather," said one fan. "It's exciting to be able to watch different events like this, and also watch all the fans cheer on the various teams."

A former paddler, who brought his son along to see his first dragon boat race, said: "We were waiting for too long. I think this is a big part of Hong Kong culture. I think people are excited even though the weather is so bad."

One paddler for a local team said the conditions made the event challenging, saying: "The water's very choppy and rain's never fun in a dragon boat.

She said the team's goal was to "have some fun", adding: "We're excited to be back at internationals but obviously the competition is really great. There's lots of great teams here."

The action continues on Sunday off East Tsim Sha Tsui.