ICF Dragon Boat Commission activities Q3 2025

Wonderful World Games

The World Games 2025 brought together the thrill of Dragon Boat and Canoe Marathon competitions over two action-packed days, held on August 9 and 10 at the picturesque Xinglong Lake Wetland Park in Tianfu New Area, Chengdu. Dragon Boat teams from 12 qualified countries and regions competed for glory in six medal events. Participating nations included China, Indonesia, Thailand, Hungary, Malaysia, Spain, Ukraine, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, Cambodia, Philippines, and South Korea.

10-Seater Mixed Races:

• 200m
• 500m
• 2000m

8-Seater Open Races:

• 200m
• 500m
• 2000m

The medal standings:

Key meeting held in Chengdu

The Dragon Boat Commission convened in Chengdu on August 10, following the conclusion of the Dragon Boat competitions at The World Games 2025. Key topic during the meeting was the qualification system for the 2029 World Games, set to be held in Karlsruhe, Southwest Germany—pending the inclusion of Dragon Boat events in the official programme. The Commission proposed that qualification for The World Games 2029 be based on ranking results from ICF-sanctioned Dragon Boat global competitions scheduled for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

ITO Seminar in Indonesia

A significant step forward in the development of technical officiating for Dragon Boat was taken with the successful completion of the ICF Dragon Boat International Technical Official (ITO) Seminar and Examination, held from August 27 to 30 in Denpasar, Bali. Organised by the Indonesian Rowing and Canoeing Association with strong support from the Indonesian Ministry of Sports, the seminar aimed to enhance the standards and consistency of officiating in ICF-sanctioned Dragon Boat events. A total of 34 experienced technical officials participated in the four-day programme, which included theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and a final examination. All attendees successfully passed the exam and are now certified as ICF Dragon Boat ITOs, ready to serve at national and international competitions.

By Dr. Wai-hung Luk, Chair of the ICF Dragon Boat Commission