The Philippine national dragon boat team will vie for a spot in the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.

The Philippines is set to host the International Canoe Federation World Dragon Boat Championships from October 27 to November 4 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The event coincides with the world governing body’s centennial anniversary.

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The meet will also serve as a main qualifier for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, adding incentive for more than 2,000 paddlers from at least 20 federations, including the Philippine national team, expected to attend.

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READ: PH paddlers shoot for glory, World Games slots in Palawan

“It is both an honor and a humbling responsibility to host the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships, especially as we celebrate the ICF’s centennial,” said Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation Leonora Escollante said in a statement.

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“This milestone not only celebrates the sport’s rich legacy but also propels us into a future where dragon boat racing continues to inspire, unite, and drive positive change.”

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The local government of Puerto Princesa, led by Mayor Lucilo Bayron, has been pivotal in the hosting of the week-long event, providing full logistical backing and resources, as the Philippines vies for sports in the World Games–a quadrennial fest for non-Olympic disciplines.

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READ: Home support for PH paddlers as Puerto Princesa hosts Worlds

“This is also the first time that dragon boat racing will be included in the World Games, so it’s a big deal that it will be held in our country, and in Puerto Princesa,” said Escalante in a recent radio interview..

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The former national dragon boat coach said the 10 qualified teams will be based on cumulative times in the mixed team small boat or 10-seater category in the 200, 500 and 2,000-meter races to be held at Sulu Sea overlooking the well-managed Puerto Princesa Baywalk.

German ICF president Thomas Konietzko gave a thumbs-up to organizers during an ocular inspection of the site earlier this year.

Puerto Princesa City, Escollante said, will also benefit from international exposure as a prime sports destination in the country aligning on a theme “Paddle Together for Climate Action.”

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“ I truly believe these championships will be a lasting legacy for Puerto Princesa and a defining moment for the sport in the Philippinesditowins,” she said.

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