The waters of Castelldefels glimmered beneath the late May sun, but for the Hurricane Alpha Racing Dragons (H.A. R. D.) Team Dragonboat, each wave was a reminder of the endless training and hardships endured thousands of miles from home.
Hurricane Alpha Racing Dragons (H.A.R.D.) set another record in its history by claiming the silver medal in the 6th Barcelona International Dragon Boat Festival – EuroCup 2025 in Spain at Castelldefels. Racing against the world’s best teams, H.A.R.D. made Bahrain proud and the Filipino community, as well as their mixed paddlers from America, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Cameroon, and Pakistan.
Team Spain won the gold, and the United Kingdom won the bronze, coming in at the end of an agonizing and unforgettable struggle.
This win is a superb inspiration of harmony, self-control, and tenacity—not only for H.A.R.D. but for the whole Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) community here in Bahrain as well. “As OFWs, we bring with us our roots, our culture, and our indomitable spirit,” Dhela C. Solidad of the members said. “This medal is proof that who we are as Filipinos shines through in everything that we do.”
On the 3rd of July 2025, the team was mutually acknowledged on a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Manama when warmly welcomed by Her Excellency Ann Jalando-on Louis, Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain. She congratulated the team on their win and for recognizing the Filipinos on the international platform.
Overwhelmingly a team of 16, including 12 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) residing in Bahrain, they travelled to Barcelona not only to compete but to convey a profound message – that their united determination and unyielding solidarity could elevate them to the pinnacle of the EuroCup 2025 league, even against the world’s most formidable teams. As the final race approached, the rhythmic clashing of paddles and the distant roar of the audience became the pulse of their collective aspiration, a vision they aimed to inscribe in the chronicles of the Barcelona Dragonboat Festival’s roll of honor – a vision, they aspired, to be engraved in silver for Bahrain.
“I am immensely proud of how the team performed at EuroCup 2025,” stated Coach Julie “Iyahh” Antonino, the 39-year-old team captain and paddler. “We entered Barcelona with a clear strategy, and the team executed our race plan with both skill and determination. Every paddler committed fully—both physically and mentally—and we have a medal to validate our efforts’.
The unity and perseverance displayed by the team serve as evidence that H.A.R.D. is an unbeatable team.
“Our success wasn’t accidental,” said Coach Iyahh, “It was the result of months of dedicated training.”
Their preparation was nothing short of intense. The team had a rigorously disciplined training schedule revolved around three key pillars: First, Conditioning and Strength involved alternating between on-water paddling sessions and intense off-water work to develop core stability and explosive power; Technical Skills, these included extended hours of paddle technique mastery practice, fine-tuning stroke synchronization, and boat control—supported by video review and individual coaching and the Race Simulation: They recreated real race conditions to train their minds and bodies for the sprints, surges, and relentless pace required to compete at the international level.
But Castelldefels was no calm lagoon. The coastal city threw its own challenges at the team: unpredictable winds, choppy waves, and rapidly changing skies. Yet, H.A.R.D. was ready.
“We trained in open water, adjusted our equipment, and stayed mentally agile. We knew conditions could change fast, so we had to be faster,” Coach Iyahh explained.
The pressure didn’t let up once the races began. Each heat was a battle not only against other world-class crews but also against fatigue, stress, and unexpected setbacks. A minor equipment issue mid-competition could have derailed them, but quick thinking and solid teamwork kept the boat steady.
Through it all, the team kept one another going.
“We had clear goals, constant encouragement, and a bond that went beyond the boat,” said Coach Iyahh. “We visualized success, celebrated progress, and reminded each other why we were here.”
In the heat of competition, amidst the roar of the crowd and the crash of paddles on water, the Hurricane Alpha Racing Dragons (H.A.R.D.) stayed locked in — not just with strength, but with unwavering focus.
“Maintaining motivation was paramount,” Coach Iyahh shared with heartfelt conviction. “We set clear, achievable goals for every race. Each paddler had something to aim for — a target to anchor them in the midst of all that adrenaline.”
The team didn’t just train hard — they trained smart. They used positive reinforcement to keep spirits high, celebrated even small wins, and treated setbacks as lessons, not failures. Visualization techniques played a big role too, helping paddlers mentally rehearse their races, imagining the perfect start, the powerful pull, the finish line in sight.
But above all, it was team unity that made the difference.
“We reminded each other that we were in this together, that every stroke counted. Every paddler mattered.”
And when they finally stood on the podium at the Barcelona Dragon Boat Festival, silver medals around their necks, the emotion was overwhelming.
“This medal means the world to me and to the team,” she said. “It’s a validation of the hard work, the sacrifices, and the belief we never let go of. It proves what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal. We work H.A.R.D. for this.”
According to Fidelito B. Bandalan, president of H. A. R. D., ‘’The silver medal placed the spotlight not only on the paddlers but on the entire Filipino expat community in Bahrain, whose presence in international waters now commands respect. It’s a story of collaboration—a multicultural team united by one heartbeat, paddling toward a shared goal.’’
“This isn’t just a win for Filipinos,” Bandalan shared, “but also for our teammates from India, Pakistan, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, and the U.S. A., H.A.R.D. is proof that sport can break boundaries.”
Recognition were given to all the groups and people who supported their team. ‘’Behind every stroke was a network of support—from families and sponsors to coaches, team admins, and mentors. The medal belongs to them too’’.
H.A.R.D.’s mission goes beyond winning. The team is building a diverse, disciplined, and passionate community that promotes national pride and elevates dragon boat racing in Bahrain and the region. With sustained training, partnerships, and vision, they aim to become one of the strongest teams globally.
As the sport gains momentum in the GCC, Bandalan explaines H.A.R.D. hopes to build not just a winning team, but a diverse and disciplined one that promotes excellence in dragon boat racing across the region. The journey continues H.A.R.D. aims to: Dominate local races in Bahrain, return stronger to international stages to bring home the gold, and grow the sport within the GCC through inclusive events, awareness, and outreach.
When queried for what he would tell young athletes or would-be paddlers, H.A.R.D. president did not hesitate to explicate.
“Begin now. Do not wait to be superb,” he replied firmly. “Dragon boating is not a sport—it is a way of life established on discipline, camaraderie, and zeal.”
Greatness to Bandalan is not brute force or perfect form from the very beginning. It’s the willingness to devote, learn, and get better with every stroke.
“If you’re willing to show up, put in the work, and paddle with heart, there’s always a place for you in this boat,” he added. “You don’t need to be the strongest—you just need to give it your all.”
As the waves of Castelldefels fade into memory, one thing is clear: the H.A.R.D. way isn’t just about paddling harder — it’s about paddling together, with purpose, pride, and heart
The officers of H.A.R.D. are as follows: Fidelito B. Bandalan, President, Donna Grace Ann Santos, Vice President/Treasurer; Board Members: Jean Korina Rose Santos, Dhela C. Solidad, Charma Valenzuela, and Christin Joy S. Jor.
H. A. R. D. is inviting everyone to join their team, you can contact Dhela C. Solidad, in charge in the recruitment of members through mobile no. 36499928.
