Teamwork made the dream work for Team Philippines as it claimed the overall title at the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Puerto Princesa.
Against the picturesque backdrop of the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, the Filipino paddlers bagged two more golds, five silvers and two bronze medals on the final day for an overall medal haul of 11 golds, 20 silvers, and 16 bronzes, making their mark in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd on a calm, sunny Sunday morning.
These final medals pushed the Philippines to the top of the overall standings, outpacing Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand, which finished in second with eight gold medals, and the Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) team, which placed third with six golds, three silvers, and three bronzes.
One of the highlights was the Philippines’ hard-fought victory in the masters’ mixed 20-seater standard boat 500-meter race.
The team clocked 2 minutes and 6.34 seconds, edging out Singapore (2:06.73) and Germany (2:07.98) for the gold. The host nation also triumphed in the 40+ 20-seater women’s 2,000-meter standard boat event, clocking in at 10 minutes and 42.31 seconds, ahead of Canada (10:48.64).
The competition was fierce in the 20-seater mixed standard boat 500-meter race, where the Philippines led from the start to the final stretch.
In a dramatic last 10 meters, however, Ukraine surged forward to claim the gold in 1 minute and 57.51 seconds, narrowly pushing the Philippines to silver with a time of 1:58.13.
The four-day event was a proud moment for the Philippine paddlers, who were competing on their home turf. Leonora “Lenlen” Escollante, President of the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation (PCKDF), expressed pride in both the team’s performance and the successful organization of the event.
“We made history every day, and I am extremely proud of our national paddlers and how we hosted this world-class event right here at home,” Escollante said. “This victory is for the PCKDF, our athletes, and for the entire country.”
The championships received strong support from the Philippine Sports Commission, Tingog party-list, and the local Puerto Princesa government, with Mayor Lucilo Bayron leading the city’s backing. Participants and international officials praised the event, with ICF Dragon Boat Commission Chairman Dr. Wai Hung-Luk from Hong Kong commending the world-class competition. “Puerto Princesa provided a beautiful backdrop, and the warmth and hospitality of the Pawaneños made it an unforgettable experience. Many participants expressed a desire to return,” said Dr. Luk. As the championships concluded on a high note, the Philippines not only celebrated its medal haul but also its status as a top contender in the world of dragon boat racing.
The next ICF Dragon Boat World Championships will be held in Regina, Canada, in 2026, where the Philippine team aims to defend its title.
