KDB Clinches International Title At Nanchang Dragon Boat Race
NANCHANG, CHINA: Kuching Dragon Boat Club (KDB) from Sarawak, captured the championship title in the International Friends Division (12-Person Small Dragon Boat Category) at the 2026 Nanchang International Dragon Boat Race, held at Jiulong Lake here from June 13-14.
The Sarawak-based team emerged victorious after two days of intense racing against competitors from across China and several countries and regions worldwide, bringing honour to both Malaysia and Sarawak on the international stage.
The annual event attracted dragon boat teams from China, as well as international participants from the United States, Russia, Belarus, Italy, Kazakhstan, Germany, the Philippines and Malaysia.
Competing in the International Friends Division, KDB delivered a consistent performance throughout the competition, demonstrating strong teamwork and determination to secure the overall championship.
In addition to gold medals, the team received the championship trophy, a cash prize of RMB10,000, a bottle of champagne and various Dragon Boat Festival gifts, including traditional rice dumplings (zongzi), presented by the organisers during the prize-giving ceremony.
Team members described the victory as particularly significant as it was achieved in one of the birthplaces of dragon boat culture.
They said the championship was not only recognition of the team's hard work and dedication but also an encouraging milestone for the continued growth of dragon boat sport in Malaysia.
Founded in 2017, KDB is a community-based dragon boat club from Kuching comprising paddlers from diverse age groups and backgrounds.
In preparation for the competition, team members underwent a month of intensive training while balancing work commitments, family responsibilities and sporting obligations before travelling thousands of kilometres across the South China Sea to compete in China.
Over the years, KDB has actively participated in numerous domestic and international competitions as well as cultural exchange programmes. The club remains committed to promoting dragon boat racing while preserving and sharing the traditions and cultural values associated with the sport.
The championship victory in Nanchang also served to strengthen sports and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China while showcasing the capabilities of Malaysian paddlers on the international stage.
Meanwhile, a highlight of the visit was KDB's presentation of a special souvenir to the event organisers during the award and exchange ceremonies.
The team gifted a traditional Sarawak indigenous musical instrument known as the Sape, symbolising the state's rich cultural heritage.
The gesture was made in appreciation of the warm hospitality extended by the organisers and reflected the enduring friendship and cultural ties between the peoples of Malaysia and China.
KDB members said dragon boating is more than a competitive sport, describing it as a platform that fosters friendship, cultural understanding and unity among communities. -UKASnews
