ICF Dragon Boat Committee Q4 2025

Praise for the Philippines 

It was an honour to be invited to officiate the first anniversary of the Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines, an annual event held every fourth week of October. The occasion was formally declared by Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships, Puerto Princesa.  To broaden its appeal, the celebration was organised as both National Open and an International Festival, featuring Dragon Boat, Canoe Sprint and Stand Up Paddling competitions at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk.  Notably, all events were officiated by Philippine International Technical Officials.  The PCKDF deserves commendation for its outstanding organisational efforts and competence in planning and executing this series of events. 

2027 Dragon Boat Club Crew World Championships  

On October 19 and 20 October, the ICF Dragon Boat Committee conducted a site inspection and met with the LOC in response to PCKDF’s bid to host the 2027 Dragon Boat Club Crew World Championships at the Palawan International Cruise Port.  The venue was found suitable for the event, with ample nearby hotels to accommodate anticipated participants.  Dragon Boats, starting machines and course setting equipment are already secured in PCKDF warehouse.  The Mayor of Puerto Princesa has also pledged full support for hosting the World Championships in 2027. 

SEA Games Success

Dragon Boat at the 33rd SEA Games, Thailand took place on December 18 and 19 at the Royal Thai Navy Rowing and Canoeing Training Centre in Rayong, Thailand.  Competition featured six events: men’s 10-seater 200m and 500m, women’s 10-seater 200m and 500m, and mixed 20-seater 200m and 500m.  Teams from seven of the 11 Southeast Asian nations participated, including the host country Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. 

By Wai-hung Luk, Chair of the ICF Dragon Boat Committee