By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
BATU GAJAH — The inaugural Cultural Dragon Boat Race held at a scenic lake here turned into a vibrant showcase of unity, culture, and athleticism, drawing teams and spectators from across the country.
The event, jointly organised by the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Perak Chapter, the Traditional Musical Arts and Culture Association Ipoh, and New Dawn Projects, featured 20 participating teams competing in a 200-metre sprint, a historic first for a lake-based dragon boat race, as the sport is traditionally held in coastal waters.
Perak’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development, Loh Sze Yee, who officiated the event, said the race served not only as a sporting competition but also as a platform to promote multicultural harmony and cultural appreciation.
“Dragon boat racing originated in China over 2,000 years ago and was traditionally part of religious rituals and cultural beliefs of ancient Chinese communities.
“Today, it has evolved into an exciting sport that also fosters unity among Malaysia’s multiracial society while promoting tourism,” he said.
In the men’s category, Penang Island Paddlers Club A clinched the top spot, defeating ZWL Dragon from Selangor, who came in second, while DBKL 2 from Kuala Lumpur took third place.
ZWL from Selangor dominated the women’s race, followed by Penang Titans in second and DBKL in third.
In the mixed category, Penang Titans delivered another stellar performance to secure first place, with Penang Island Paddlers Club finishing second and JWL from Selangor in third.
The colourful cultural and sporting event brought energy and excitement to the lakefront, reinforcing the spirit of unity through shared traditions and friendly competition.
