PH dragon boat squad eyes world cup in China

MANILA, Philippines – The triumphant Philippine Dragon Boat Federation team that raked golden performances in the 12th International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships in Welland, Ontario, Canada has set its sights in the World Dragon Boat Cup in Fushan, China next year.

“We finished second last year so we’re now going for first place in the World Cup,” said PDBF president Marcia Cristobal in Wednesday’s briefing of the squad, which arrived recently from Canada, at the Philippine Airlines’ office in Macapagal Ave. in Pasay City.

The squad, bankrolled by Cobra Energy Drink and PAL, bucked overwhelming odds in capturing four gold medals in four divisions including victories in the 200m and 500m mixed categories for small boat events.

The Filipino paddlers’ other victories came in the 500m premier mixed event where they beat teams from Macau, Hungary, Italy and Puerto Rico and the senior A mixed crown to make it an impressive four-gold harvest.

The team, which left last Monday, initially targeted three golds but ended with four, thanks to their determination and will to win.

“The team showed a lot of pride and we salute all of them,” said Asia Brewery executive Mike Ngo, who was accompanied in the briefing by Cobra’s Jen Inumerable and Dan Ong and PAL’s Rhea Domingo, Cielo Villalon and Pinky Custodio.

What made the win even more special was the absence of some of its key members, who couldn’t join the team due to visa problems.

“It’s truly a proud experience because we competed undermanned and yet our team delivered,” said Cristobal.