Team UAE has made a powerful mark on the global stage after clinching its first-ever silver medal in the 2000-meter Senior A Open Small Boat category at the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Brandenburg, Germany.
The competition, which runs from July 14 to 20, is still ongoing at the renowned Beetzsee Regatta Course. With over 4,950 athletes from 33 nations, this year’s event is the biggest in the history of the International Dragon Boat Federation.
A key force behind this milestone for the UAE are seven Filipino expatriates, who form part of the country’s national team in its debut appearance at the world championships. Representing both the UAE and the Filipino community with pride are Fernan Dungan, a swimming instructor; John Carlo Asenci and Mark Anthony Garcia, both fitness trainers; Rolly Otaza, a lifeguard; Ralph Recto, a veterinary nurse; Charmaine Esteban, a fashion buyer; and Mark Mendoza, a project finance controller who also serves as team manager.
The team’s silver medal came during the 2000-meter Senior A Open Small Boat final held on July 15, where they delivered an exceptional performance, finishing second in a highly competitive race. In the Premier Open Small Boat division for the same distance, the UAE team placed 7th overall, an impressive feat for first-time participants.
“We want to bring pride to the UAE and to the Filipino community. Just qualifying and getting here is already a huge win. Now that we’ve earned a medal, it’s surreal,” Mendoza shared in an earlier interview.
The competition continues, and so does the UAE team’s campaign. Today, July 17, they are racing in the 200-meter Senior A Open category, with both the heats and grand finals scheduled. The 500-meter events are also set to take place in the coming days, where the team will once again aim for the podium.
“We did it! History has been made!” the team posted on social media after their silver medal win. The post also called for continued support as the crew powers through the remaining races.
