October 11 ------ The Philippines is set to host the International Canoe Federation World Dragon Boat Championships from October 27 to November 4 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The event coincides with the world governing body’s centennial anniversary.
The meet will also serve as a main qualifier for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, adding incentive for more than 2,000 paddlers from at least 20 federations, including the Philippine national team, expected to attend. “It is both an honor and a humbling responsibility to host the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships, especially as we celebrate the ICF’s centennial,” said Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation Leonora Escollante said in a statement. “This milestone not only celebrates the sport’s rich legacy but also propels us into a future where dragon boat racing continues to inspire, unite, and drive positive change.”
The local government of Puerto Princesa, led by Mayor Lucilo Bayron, has been pivotal in the hosting of the week-long event, providing full logistical backing and resources, as the Philippines vies for sports in the World Games–a quadrennial fest for non-Olympic disciplines. “This is also the first time that dragon boat racing will be included in the World Games, so it’s a big deal that it will be held in our country, and in Puerto Princesa,” said Escalante in a recent radio interview.
The former national dragon boat coach said the 10 qualified teams will be based on cumulative times in the mixed team small boat or 10-seater category in the 200, 500 and 2,000-meter races to be held at Sulu Sea overlooking the well-managed Puerto Princesa Baywalk. German ICF president Thomas Konietzko gave a thumbs-up to organizers during an ocular inspection of the site earlier this year.
Puerto Princesa City, Escollante said, will also benefit from international exposure as a prime sports destination in the country aligning on a theme “Paddle Together for Climate Action.” “ I truly believe these championships will be a lasting legacy for Puerto Princesa and a defining moment for the sport in the Philippines,” she said.
Source: inquirer.net
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