Thrilling finals mark end of S’wak Int’l Dragon Boat Regatta 2024

KUCHING (Oct 27): The finals of the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (IDBR) 2024 drew spectators to frenzy as it came to a close Sunday afternoon.

Despite the scorching afternoon weather, the event’s emcee gathered the peddlers to lift their respective teams’ spirits as they participated in a singalong to ‘La Copa de le Vida’ by Ricky Martin.

For the DB12 Masters Open category, BSACxSIAM A took a comfortable lead to row their way to victory with their time of 1:15:39, defeating Kuching’s Kelab Perahu Naga KDB, Thailand Dragon Boat Masters Team A and Machong Dabu Dragonboat Club.

The University of Hong Kong Dragon Boat Team captured first place for the DB12 Premier Open, followed closely by SPTB Brunei Darussalam B, BSACxSIAM A and Dragon Boat Club Kunshan China A.

Moreover, the DB12 Premier Mix category saw Dragon Boat Club Kunshan China B finish on the top spot of the podium, followed by Rogue Pilipinas Paddlers Club, Almaty Dragons A and Latin Dragons.

Although the Latin Dragons did not secure first place in the DB12 Premier Mix category, the women’s team proved their mettle when they secured a win in the DB12 Premier Women category against Butuan Dragons, Dragon Boat Club Kunshan China and The University of Hong Kong Dragon Boat Team.

The DB20 Premier Open category witnessed a nail-biting finish for first place winner, Sabah’s Jetama Entulon Family Tuaran, who battled neck-and-neck with Machong Dabu Dragonboat Club, who was regarded as their fiercest competitor in the competition, followed by competitors SPTB Brunei Darussalam and LANDAS A.

In the DB20 Premier Mix category, the University of Hong Kong Dragon Boat Team once again emerged champions, while Rogue Pilipinas Paddlers Club secured second place, as Boat Club Kunshan China and Almaty Dragons claimed third and fourth, respectively.

The prize giving ceremony for the winners was held at a leading hotel here on Sunday evening.