Competitors brave rapids during the 2026 Nyingchi Namcha Barwa Plateau Sports Games at the picturesque Draksum Tso Lake in Nyingchi, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2026 Nyingchi Namcha Barwa Plateau Sports Games, featuring an international rafting competition and China's first stand-up paddleboard whitewater race, were recently held at Draksum Tso Lake in Nyingchi, Xizang autonomous region.

The two-day event attracted 192 athletes from 48 teams representing 15 countries, including China, Russia, New Zealand, Germany, and Canada.

The competition featured nine events, including elite and public rafting sprints, men's and women's stand-up paddleboard slalom and sprint races, and a four-person paddleboard sprint.

Competitors brave rapids during the 2026 Nyingchi Namcha Barwa Plateau Sports Games at the picturesque Draksum Tso Lake in Nyingchi, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A traditional bullhide boat race on calm water was also held, bringing a local cultural element to the international sporting event.

The competitions took place against the backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains, with courses combining calm water and rapids. Athletes also had to adapt to the conditions of competing at high altitude.

Competitors brave rapids during the 2026 Nyingchi Namcha Barwa Plateau Sports Games at the picturesque Draksum Tso Lake in Nyingchi, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Competitors celebrate their victories during the award ceremony of the 2026 Nyingchi Namcha Barwa Plateau Sports Games at the picturesque Draksum Tso Lake in Nyingchi, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Competitors celebrate their victories during the award ceremony of the 2026 Nyingchi Namcha Barwa Plateau Sports Games at the picturesque Draksum Tso Lake in Nyingchi, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]