KUCHING: The Kuching Waterfront came alive with regatta fever as the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR) 2025 kicked off.
The three-day event, held from today until Sunday (October 26), brings together top paddlers from around the world.
Over 2,100 rowers from 62 teams representing 23 countries are competing at SIDBR 2025.
The participating countries include United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi), Egypt, the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, Japan, Macao, Mongolia, Iran, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Spain, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia (Sarawak, Sabah, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur).
Paddlers will race over 300-metre courses in various categories such as International Premier Open 20’s, International Premier Open 12’s, International Premier Mixed 12’s, International Premier Women 12’s, International Masters Open 12’s (age 40 and above), and the International Cancer Survivors Open.
However, a new category, the Battle of the Dragons (Dragon Tyg) 6’s, made its debut this year and featured during the opening event.
The regatta offers a total prize pool of RM100,000 in cash, alongside trophies and medals for the winners.
The Kuching Waterfront buzzed with excitement as paddlers from around the world took to the water.
Cheers from the crowd and the roar of racing dragon boats set the tone for a thrilling Day One at SIDBR 2025.
