The 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships began spectacularly in the Philippines as Hungary dominated the podium on the first day of competition.  

The hosts put on a cultural bonanza at the scenic Puerto Princesa Baywalk as Dragon Boat took centre stage. 

A parade of athletes and cultural dances were among the many activities that set the tone for the days to come, with ICF President Thomas Konietzko vowing to do more to promote Dragon Boat as a key discipline.      

“We know how important the Dragon Boat culture is for Asia and together with numerous partners, we have been able to promote the discipline, including during the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where we held a demonstration,” Mr Konietzko said.  

“We want to and will invest more resources, both financial and human, in developing Dragon Boat as one of ICF's key disciplines. 

“We are working hard to unite all the stakeholders in the interest of our athletes and the Dragon Boat sport.” 

Racing action saw Hungary start their quest for a spot at the Chengdu 2025 World Games in style as they cruised to victory in the mixed 10-seater 2000m. 

The team, comprising multiple world champions in Canoe Sprint and Canoe Marathon, displayed their versatility and skill to win the gold medal in 9:30.21.  

Indonesia bagged silver in 9:30.99 and Czechia was the next best nation, clocking 9:33.84.  

The Hungarians also triumphed in the masters over 40 mixed 10-seater 2000m, beating Germany for the title in 10:02.68. 

They were almost 13 seconds ahead of the silver medallist as the race saw hosts Philippines open their account and take bronze in 10:30.57. 

Hungary added one more title when they finished first in the masters over 50 mixed 10-seater 2000m, with Singapore and Canada taking the silver and bronze medals, respectively.  

Poland dominated the junior mixed 10-seater 2000m race, taking the top prize by almost 12 seconds against the hosts. India won bronze, almost nine seconds later.  

The Poles also excelled in the junior 10-seater open 2000m, winning gold. The other junior title went to Iran, which came out on top in the junior 10-seater women's 2000m. 

A tight final in the open 10-seater 2000m saw Spain clinch the top spot on the podium, clocking 9:11.51, with Iran taking silver in 9:13.66 and Malaysia bagging bronze in 9:24.42. 

The Iranian women were superb in the 10-seater 2000m, crushing the field and beating AIN by a big margin.  

They crossed the line in 10:39.20 followed by AIN in 10:47.75. The hosts added to their tally, taking another bronze with a timing of 10:55.47. 

Canada, Hong Kong, Czechia and AIN claimed first position in the rest of the masters finals for the day in the over 50 women's 10-seater 2000m, over 40 open 10-seater 2000m, over 40 10-seater women's 2000m and over 50 open 10-seater 2000m, respectively.

For all the results from today, click here.

Full coverage of this week's event can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.

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