KUCHING: The Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta has kicked off with fierce competition, featuring teams from 21 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Canada, and Argentina.
Over 1,000 paddlers braved the scorching sun, racing in front of the iconic Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
The regatta spans three days, with a total of eight categories contested from today until Sunday (Oct 27).
These include the International Premier Open for 20 paddlers, International Mixed Premier for 20 paddlers, International Premier Open for 12 paddlers, International Mixed Premier for 12 paddlers, and International Women’s Premier for 12 paddlers.
Additional categories include the International Masters Open for 12 paddlers, the International Cancer Survivors Open for 12 paddlers, and the Race for Harmony for 20 paddlers.
The spotlight today was on the DB20 Premier Open category, which featured four qualifying heats showcasing the strength of the top teams vying for the best spots.
In the first heat, the NKRI Kalimantan Barat team from Indonesia dominated, finishing in first place. They were followed by KWPB Kuching Dragon in second and Filipino Dragon (Singapore) in third.
The second heat saw Helang Setia take the win, with KDB Kuching Dragon Club and United Riders finishing in second and third, respectively.
In the third heat, Agro Naga claimed first place, easily outperforming Juang Team and VRC Dragon Hong Kong, which took second and third.
Finally, the Keris Terbang Dragon Boat Club emerged victorious in the fourth heat, leaving Royal Malaysia Police Paddlers in second place and Tabuan Sungai Bunga in third.
As the competition heats up, teams are eager to secure their positions in the finals, promising an exciting weekend of dragon boat racing ahead.
