GEDONG: Team King Paddle GT was crowned the ‘King of the River’ at Gedong Festival 2025 after clinching victory in the final of the men’s 30-paddler race for the Premier Sarawak Challenge Trophy, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, held at the Gedong Waterfront today.
The team clocked the fastest time of 10 minutes and 23 seconds, defeating seven other teams, including closest rival, MRT Gedong, who finished with a time of 11 minutes and 2 seconds, as runners-up.
With the win, King Paddle GT took home the championship trophy along with a cash prize of RM15,000.
MRT Gedong received RM10,000 and a trophy for second place, while Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan 3 finished third with a time of 11 minutes and 14 seconds, earning RM7,000 and a trophy.
The prize presentation was officiated by Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, Rodiyah Sapiee, accompanied by the adviser to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), and special representative for Gedong’s state assemblyman, Datuk Seri Naroden Majais, as well as Gedong District Officer, Tamida Da’adi.
In addition to their main victory, King Paddle GT also triumphed in the Men’s 25-Paddler Race for the Dato Seri Naroden Majais Trophy, securing another RM1,350 and a trophy.
Team Komeng Sri Berjaya finished second, winning RM1,100 and a trophy, while Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan 10 came in third and took home RM850 and a trophy.
King Paddle GT further extended their dominance by winning the Men’s 30-Paddler Race for the YB Rodiyah Sapiee Trophy, which featured teams from villages within the Batang Sadong parliamentary constituency.
They once again emerged victorious, claiming RM1,600 and a trophy.
Cahaya Arus Bakat Laut finished second with RM1,300, while Hazanah MD Gedong secured third place with RM1,000.
The successful organisation of these water sports events further highlighted the role of Pesta Gedong 2025 in preserving the traditional heritage of community-based sports, particularly the bidar boat races, which continue to attract visitors from all walks of life every year.
