World Cup: Cobra-PDBF paddlers bag 2 golds

MANILA, Philippines—The Cobra-Philippine Dragon Boat Federation once again proved that they have world class paddlers after bringing home two gold medals, a silver and a bronze in the First World Cup held in Fuzhou, China, early this week.

The 28-member PH paddlers, veterans of different Asian-level competitions, also finished second overall behind the host country where the sport originated. The meet also lured paddlers from Canada, United States, Czech Republic, Ghana and Australia.

In a luncheon  hosted by Asia Brewery yesterday, the Cobra-PDBF received P600,000 for the modernization of their equipment.

Cobra brand manager Michael Ngo and assistant brand manager Jinky Sebastian handed the check to PDBF president Marcia Cristobal at Hard Rock Cafe in Makati.

“These are the kings and queens of [dragonboat] sprints, they had no imports, only homegrown talents,” said Ngo.

The Filipinos ruled the “sprints” events or short distances, grabbing golds in the premier open mixed 100-meter and 500m events

In the 100m, the Cobra-PDBF team beat China, Canada and the US, while the PH paddlers dominated China, Canada and Hong Kong in the 500m. The team also bagged a silver in mixed 1000m, and bronze in men’s/women’s 400m relay.

Led by drummer and coach Suhod Hakim and helmsman Raquel Espinosa, the team is made up mostly of members from the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy.