China misses out on dragon boat golds at World Games as global competition rises

Despite being the sport's birthplace, China won no golds in dragon boat racing at the 2025 World Games, with others impressing instead.

CHENGDU, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- China failed to win any gold medals in dragon boat racing at The World Games 2025, despite the sport originating in the country and China's team being seen as a dominant force.

Concluding its debut as an official sport at the Chengdu World Games on Sunday, the two-day dragon boat competition awarded six gold medals - but China only took two silvers.

Indonesia claimed the first gold on Saturday in the open 8-seater 2,000m pursuit race. They went on to win two more golds on Sunday in the open 8-seater 200m and the 10-seater 500m.

Ukraine secured golds in the open 8-seater 500m and the 10-seater 2,000m pursuit race. Thailand won the 10-seater 200m gold.

China's team was mainly made up of athletes from Jilin and Sichuan provinces. Ma Yongyao, director of the Jilin Provincial Water Sports Administration Center, told Xinhua that the result was not due to poor performance by China, but rather a reflection of the sport's widespread global popularity.

"Dragon boat racing is very popular in many countries and regions around the world. Now, many teams in southeast Asia and Europe are competitive," Ma said. "This is positive news, showing the event is very intense."

The 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Cup, which served as the qualifier for the World Games, saw Indonesia and Thailand rank top two in points.

Statistics show there are approximately 50 million dragon boat enthusiasts globally, with the sport active in nearly 100 countries and regions. Dragon boat festivals were held this year across the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Thailand.

"Tickets for the events were sold out, showing strong public recognition for dragon boat culture," said Zhao Xiaoli, an international dragon boat referee. "Worldwide, many people participate in this sport during their holidays."

The sport's Olympic prospects are now a major topic. "Dragon boat has profound historical depth and national characteristics, making it very suitable for the Olympic Games," said Yi Jiandong, a Chinese Olympic studies expert.

Compared to traditional dragon boat racing, modern competitions feature fewer participants, shorter distances and lighter boats. "Dragon boat racing has a strong chance of entering the 2032 Brisbane Olympics," Yi added. ■