With every drumbeat, the pace increased as Indonesians battled the pouring rain to be crowned the superstars of Dragon Boat at The World Games Chengdu 2025. In the fifth of our moments from 2025, we look at the island nation’s exploits in China.
At the Xinglong Lake Hubin Arena, it was a historic occasion as Dragon Boat became an official medal event at The World Games for the first time, and Indonesia took full advantage.
Not only did they win the first-ever gold medal of the discipline at the Games, but they also went on to add two more, topping the medals table.
There were signs of their calibre as they were among the first nations to qualify for the event in 2024, but to do what they did, in the way they did, was sensational.
It started with the open eight-seater 2000m final, where they were so good that the second-placed Chinese team were 11.10 behind them.
“We are very happy to win the first medal in this competition. I hope we will be able to add to the success. We have been training for three years,” Indonesian coach Mohammed Suryadi said after the first win.
“After the qualifying races in China and the Philippines last year, the crew has been preparing for Chengdu since January. So it feels great.”
While it was difficult to top that performance, on the second and final day of races, they entered Dragon Boat folklore.
At first, it was a tight affair with Thailand breathing down their necks, but the Indonesians set the tone for the day by cruising to victory in the open eight-seater 200m.
With Ukraine also winning two gold medals, they had one more chance to become the most successful nation in the competition.
In the final of the mixed 10-seater 500m, the two nations went all out with Indonesia taking gold in 2:06.64, as Ukraine settled for silver 0.38 later, pulling the curtains on a memorable tournament.
Copyright by IWGA/The World Games 2025.
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