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Two PH clubs make waves at Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival
HONG KONG — The Philippine flag flew high at the historic 50th Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival as two Filipino teams made their mark in the prestigious event, which expanded from a usual weekend gathering into a 13-day spectacle.
The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and the Alliance of Masters Dragonboat Club impressed during the festivities held at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade in Hong Kong.
PDBF, a regular invitee in the annual competition, captured its third-straight podium finish after seizing a silver medal in the International Women's Championship on Saturday.
One of the top local teams in the Philippines, PDBF clocked 2:22.185 in the first round race and 2:21.274 in the second round race to finish second overall and beat several clubs from across the globe.
PDBF also saw action in the International Women's Grand Championship, finishing fourth in Heat 1 with a time of 2:25.553, but only ranked 6th in the finals with a time of 2:15.641.
Although they fell short of the gold medal anew, the Filipina paddlers were just ecstatic to banner the Philippines in probably one of the more competitive dragon boat events in Asia.
"Actually, our team was completed about two days ago lang. [We're] coming from different teams in the Philippines, but we are ready po as we compete to represent the Philippines," PDBF team captain Ella Niuda told Philippine media on Saturday.
"Last year po kasi ang difference ay single stroke pero ngayon po, we had disciplined training. Preparation-wise, ready po kami talaga to represent the Philippines."
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Masters Dragonboat Club also made sure to make a mark in its international debut.
Only competing locally in the past, the Alliance of Masters Dragonboat Club made waves right away, finishing second in Heat 1 of the International Open Championship with a time of 2:00.036.
It then wound up third in the semifinals (2:00.488), but finished ninth in the finals after clocking 2:03.601.
Alliance of Masters Dragonboat Club also plied its trade in the International Mixed Grand Championship and Sun Life International Open Grand Championship but finished outside the podium in both.
"Since this is my first international race, very exciting and masaya po 'yung experience given nga po na this is my my first time competing at such a high-level sport," Alliance of Masters Dragonboat Club skipper Azaak Diancin said.
The Dragon Boat Festival, a centerpiece of 'Hong Kong Summer Fun,' brings 13 days of excitement to the city from June 19 to July 1. It’s more than just a race as the event features a diverse lineup of attractions catered to both locals and tourists.
—JMB, GMA News
