By Robert Andaya
Palawan, the country’s “Last Frontier”, will welcome more than 1,500 paddlers from 26 countries when it plays host to the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships scheduled October. 31-November 3, in Puerto Princesa City.
Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF) president Len Escollante said that this is the first time a Southeast Asian country is hosting the world event that also serves as a qualifying to the World Games to be held in Chengdu, China next year.
“This is the first time that Southeast Asia will host the Dragon Boat Championships under the ICF, which is also a member of International Olympic Committee (IOC),”said Escollante during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila recently.
“At the same time, this will also be the first time in Puerto Princesa, which is always ready to host different sports events, even the world championship. This is also a good opportunity for Palawan, particularly Puerto Princesa, to boost sports tourism in the Philippines,” added Escollante..
“When it comes to team events, first time din itong mangyayari sa Puerto Princesa under the leadership of Mayor Lucilo Bayron. Also it is also the first time that the Dragon Boat World Championship will have the most numbers of participants.”
“We expect over 1,500 paddlers alone. Then we have other delegates and other officials. They are all excited to come here because they know that aside from the competition, there will be other things to do in Puerto Princesa and Palawan,”
A total of 54 gold medals will be awarded across the 200m, 500m, and 2,000m races, according to Escollante.
The Open national team division will see 18 gold medals up for grabs, matching the number for the Masters 40-plus category.
Additionally, nine gold medals will be awarded in both the 50-plus and junior divisions for boys and girls.
Escollante also thanked Mayor Bayron and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), headed by Chairman Richard Bachmann, for their full support.
Among the countries sending large delegations are India with 150, Thailand and Iran with 80 each.
The host country, Philippines, will have 200 delegates.
Powerhouse countries from Europe, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine and Russia, are also joining the prestigious competition.
The Philippines captured five golds, two silvers, and one bronze in the 2018 edition held in Atlanta Georgia.
Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF) president Len Escollante.