KUCHING: Teams from around the world, including Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, added significant international flair and competitive spirit to the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR) 2025 on the Kuching Waterfront.
The VRC Dragons team from Hong Kong, featuring a diverse lineup of paddlers from the UK, India, Venezuela, Malaysia, UAE, China, Russia, and Hong Kong, contributed to the regatta’s record number of entries this year.
Team representative Christian Alejandro Mendoza Bullones said the team competed across the DB12 small boat categories, including mixed and one open boat, as well as the tug-of-war event.
“It’s going well, but the level of competition this year is tough – definitely higher than last year,” Bullones told the Sarawak Tribune today. “We are going to the repechage now, and we hope to qualify for the semi-finals.”
VRC Dragons only transitioned into dragon boating four years ago, originally forming as an outrigger canoe team. However, senior paddlers with decades of experience have helped the crew stay competitive in a field that continues to grow in both size and skill level.
Lake Biwa Boat Team (Japan): A Familiar Face
Making their third appearance at SIDBR was the Lake Biwa Boat Team from Japan. The squad brought 15 paddlers from Shiga Prefecture and surrounding areas like Osaka and Kyoto.
Training at Lake Biwa, the combined squad competed in the Mixed, Masters, Open, and Tug-of-War categories.
“This is our third time in Kuching, and it’s always a great experience to race internationally and meet teams from all over the world,” said team members Ayumu Yamamoto, 22, and Kazuo Shimada, 64.
Team Kuromee (Singapore): Focus on Camaraderie
Meanwhile, Team Kuromee from Singapore was competing for the first time at SIDBR. The crew brought together paddlers aged 19 to 50 from various local squads. Though new to the regatta, the team’s goal was focused on camaraderie and competition.
“We are here for the same goal – to race hard, have fun, and enjoy the experience together,” said team representative Yeo Poh Seng.
The Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR) 2025 began on Friday and concludes today.
