PH Army bags gold in Japan Dragon Boat Championships

The Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team waves the Philippine flag in Osaka, Japan after winning the gold medal in the 250-meter boat event at the Japan Dragon Boat Championships. (Facebook photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Army paddlers won the 250-meter open standard boat event at the Japan Dragon Boat Championships in Osaka, Japan over the weekend, beating 17 other crews and facing the strong Japanese national team which they had trained a few years back.

“I am very proud because we have proven to everyone that the Philippine Army can successfully conquer the international sports arena if given a chance,” team manager Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said.

Despite not being used to paddling with life jackets on, the Philippine team still emerged first. They finished with an average time of 53 seconds and defeated Japan in a one-second difference.

“Our team’s discipline and positive attitude made the difference… Our strength is our comradeship and unit discipline. We are stronger if we train and compete together without any outsider who is unfamiliar to the group,” Cabunoc added.

Although already being renowned as one of the world’s top paddling teams, the Philippine Army has not been recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee as the country’s national Dragon Boat team. The two sports organizations acknowledged the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) instead.

Nevertheless, the Philippine squad continued to compete internationally, earning more victories in their long-time winning streak. Just last year, they bagged two golds in the 200-meter and 500-meter standard boat events at the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Club Crew World Championships.

Later this year, The Philippine Army planned to take on the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Ontario, Canada. They, however, first need to seek permission from the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) to be the country’s delegate in the said competition.

Soon to start training again, the 22-member paddling team would savor their recent victory for a while with a congratulatory ceremony prepared for them in the Philippines.