Thousands to converge on Kuching Waterfront for Sarawak Regatta

KUCHING: Thousands are expected to converge on the Kuching Waterfront today to witness one of the state’s oldest sporting events, the Sarawak Regatta, which first started in 1872 during the Brooke rule.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will declare open the event which carries the theme ‘Race for Harmony’ before noon.

Yesterday, around 800 paddlers entered the heat for 16 categories of the race being contested to determine their position for the finals on Sunday.

Among the categories are: Balok seven-paddler (men, local), Bidar 20-paddler (men, international), Bidar 10-paddler (men, local), Bidar 30-paddler (men, international) and the Mix International Kenyalang (15 men and five women).

Also to be held from 3.15pm Sunday will be the finals of the Bidar 30-paddler (men, international) category. The winner will be crowned Raja Sungai (River King), which is the climax of the Sarawak Regatta.

Meanwhile, the whole 1.3km stretch of the Kuching Waterfront has been bustling since a week ago with the launch of the handicraft bazaar and the two-day International Dragon Boat race over the weekend.

With lots of activities and attractions in place, locals and tourists alike are seen strolling and immersing themselves in this unique Sarawakian event.

Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to officiate at the closing ceremony.

Meanwhile, Kuching Resident Shukarmin Chasemon, told reporters on Thursday, that response to the boat race was very overwhelming.

Apart from local Malaysians, participants from Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and United Kingdom are also competing in this year’s regatta.

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Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race - Dragon’s eyes dotted to launch race

KUCHING: The eye-dotting of the dragon performed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday marked the start of this year’s Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

This Chinese traditional ceremony to cleanse and bless the paddlers and their boat symbolises the awakening of the dragons.

The annual Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race held at Kuching Waterfront will witness 26 teams from 11 countries battle in this year’s Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

The race to coincide with Kuching Waterfront Festival is to be held from Nov 11 to 13 while the iconic Sarawak Regatta, which is better known to foreign participants, is to be held from Nov 18-20 with the theme ‘Race for Harmony’.

Countries competing in the dragon boat race are Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Malaysia.

The flag-off of the 3-day regatta is at the Square Tower on Nov 11 with the finish line at the city’s Chinese History Museum.

Malaysia will also send teams from Sarawak, Sabah and Penang for the race which is divided into two main categories — local and international.

Under the international category are four sections — men’s open (crew of 12), men’s open (crew of 20), mixed open (crew of 12) and mixed open (crew of 20).

The local category is solely the Men’s Open (crew of 20).

About 800 people are expected to be involved in the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race as participants, out of whom 628 are foreigners.

The Sarawak International Dragon Boat race will be conducted under the International Dragon Boat Federation’s (IDBF) competition regulations and rules of racing.

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