PH captures 2 gold medals in ICF Dragon Boat World Championships
2024-Nov-02 09:00
WINNERS. Philippine dragon boat team captain Ojay Fuentes. The team secured two gold medals, a silver and a bronze in the morning events of the ongoing 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships in Puerto Princesa City on Friday (Nov. 1, 2024) (PNA)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – The Philippines grabbed two gold medals Friday during the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships here.
For the morning event, the Filipinos clocked 47.07 seconds in the 20-seater Mixed 200-meter event to beat the Canadians (48.69). AIN (Individual Neutral Athletes) placed third in 49.03.
"We're so happy for winning two gold medals, this is a big boost to all the Filipino athletes competing here," said team captain Ojay Fuentes after winning the day's first event.
"We would like to thank our supporters, especially the Puerto Princesa City government, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and our private sponsors," he added.
The second gold came from the mixed 40+ 20-seater x 200m event, which the Philippines topped in 49.41 seconds.
Czech Republic (50.84) took the silver while Hungary (52.12) secured the bronze.
The Philippines (47.59s) also pocketed the silver medal in the 20-seater Open 200m event ruled by Thailand (40.37s). Hong Kong (47.76s) was third.
In the 20-seater Women's 200m event, the Philippines clocked 50.48s to settle for the bronze medal.
Thailand captured the gold medal in 49.41s, while AIN won the silver medal with a time of 50.45s.
More events were scheduled in the afternoon.
The tournament, which is spearheaded by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation (PCKDBF) and supported by the Puerto Princesa City government, serves as a qualifier for the mixed 2,000m event in the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.
In support of the country's hosting of the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 699, which celebrates every fourth week of October as "Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines". (PNA)