SARATOK: A total of 21 boat racing teams will compete in Sungai Krian in conjunction with the Saratok Festival’s Kalaka Regatta which will take place over three days this weekend.
The event has drawn more teams this year and the focus is on the Todak Berjaya team, which won the title of ‘King of Sungai Krian’ for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024.
However, several other names that have won the title of ‘King of the River’ in other racing arenas are also in contention, for example, Burung Garuda who won the 2023 ‘King of Sungai Benak’ Batang Lupar Edition.
Likewise, Cahaya Helang Tasik, the winner of the 2022 ‘King of Sungai Benak’ Batang Lupar Edition.
This year’s Kalaka Regatta will also be participated by Cahaya Puteri Krian N.39, CK Team, Gerak Kilat, Kupang.com, Maradona, Pancaran Sinar Pelangi, Putera Todak, RB Lang Ganas, Sangga Buana Kampung Kupang, Seri Murni, Serigala Sakti, Sinaran Baru Kampung Kaba, Tra Saribas, Waris Temudok Baru and Warisan Seri Sarawak Kebayan.
According to Kalaka Assemblyman, Mohamad Duri, the participation of many teams from within and outside Saratok, proves that this iconic event deserves to be on the Sarawak Tourism Calendar.
“I am actually excited about the participation of 21 teams, so that we can prove that this Kalaka Regatta is indeed worthy of being listed on the tourism calendar,” he told Suara Sarawak, on Monday.
The Kalaka Regatta will get underway on Friday, with a prayer recitation ceremony, before the five final sprint events in the morning.
The first event will be the sprint finals involving 25 paddlers, followed by events featuring 20 paddlers, 10 paddlers, 15 paddlers and 30 paddlers.
In the afternoon, the five-horsepower outboard engine race will take place before the first day ends with the 30-paddler marathon event.
On the second day, all the qualifying stage races will take place.
On the last day, the final races of Bidar 20 and 10 will be held followed by the closing ceremony by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who will also witness the final race of Bidar 25.
In the afternoon, the final race of Bidar 15 will take place and the climax of the fight for the ‘King of the River’ title is scheduled for 3:30 pm.
