BUGSAY MINDANAO SHINES AT XILINGOL ICE DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

 Bugsay Mindanao delivered strong performances at the Xilingol Ice Dragon Boat Championships in Inner Mongolia, braving the freezing -16°C temperatures.

Competing against teams from 19 countries, the Filipino crew advanced to the Grand Final of the 12-man, 200-meter event, finishing fourth behind China Team 1, Chinese Taipei, and China Team 2.

The team, led by former national paddler Judith Hakim and coached by Nathaniel Santos, also secured second place in the Minor Final of the 5-man, 100-meter event, behind Singapore.

Bugsay Mindanao's paddlers included Christian Ian Sy, Rene Joseph Balbuena, Robert Conrad Camu, and others from Cebu, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila.

Reflecting on their groundbreaking achievement at the Xilingol Ice Dragon Boat Championships, Sy shared his feelings of pride and accomplishment after making history as the first Philippine club to compete in the icy waters of Inner Mongolia.

“Placing in the Ice Dragon Boat Championship in Inner Mongolia as the first club team to represent the Philippines feels like a dream come true—a testament to our hard work, resilience, and unity as a team. Competing on the frozen waters amidst breathtaking scenery and fierce competitors made the experience even more unforgettable and historic. Pit Senyor!” Sy said.

Ice Dragon Boat racing utilizes metal paddles to race across ice in this version of the sport.

The Xiliingol International Ice Dragon Boat Championship began in Xiliinhot on January 20, drawing over 3,000 spectators and featuring elite teams from across the globe.