PH wins world dragonboat hosting rights

The Philippines will be at the front and center of global dragon boat racing after clinching the rare opportunity to host the sport’s World Championships this year.

“It’s tough to bid for the world championship hosting, but they love to do it in the Philippines to see its beauty and experience the world-famous hospitality of the Filipinos,’’ said Len Escollante, president of the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF) after the country got the nod of the International Canoe Federation (ICF).

Scenic Puerto Princesa City in Palawan will be the site of the Oct. 28 to Nov. 4 event, where a total of 45 countries across the globe have either confirmed or showed interest, all of them eager to experience one of the most elite beach destinations on the planet.

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The Philippines beat several other countries for the hosting rights.It was the same world championships where Filipino paddlers captured five gold medals, two silvers and a pair of bronze medals during the 2018 edition held in Lake Lanier, the venue of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics for paddling and rowing, in Georgia, United States.

The Philippines skipped the 2022 staging in Racice, Czech Republic, due to the global pandemic.

“We will definitely be competitive in these races. Apart from putting our best foot forward as hosts, our paddlers have started the buildup in our quest to win numerous medals against the best in the world,’’ said Escollante.

ICF president Thomas Konietzko officially endorsed the Philippines to all member national federations and emphasized that the hosting rights was the result of PCKDF’s passionate efforts to develop the sport in the country.

Russia, the USA and Australia have already inquired for accommodations in Puerto Princesa in advance, keen on acclimatizing to the weather and water conditions early.