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THE National Dragon Boat team vows to make an impact in the Eighth
Asian Dragon Boat Championships slated July 30 to August 3 in Penang,
Malaysia.
Buoyed by their impressive performance in some
major tournaments recently, Philippine Dragon Boat Federation
Secretary-General Judith Hakim expressed optimism on their chances
despite having a rookie-laden squad.
“Our athletes are busy preparing for this
tournament. They are all in great shape and raring to compete
against some of the region’s finest paddlers,” said Hakim.
The women’s team snatched one gold and one
bronze in the Fifth China Nanning International Dragon Boat
Invitational then went home with another bronze in the 2008 Macau
International Dragon Boat Races.
“We are hoping that our winning ways continue
in the Asian Championships. This is also a good venue for us to
scout our rivals in First Asian Beach Games in October,” added
Hakim.
The delegation is scheduled to leave on July 29.
Powerhouse China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and
Macau are expected to show up along with perennial contender
Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and host Malaysia.
Ivory Ablig, Marietta Alba, Amina Anuddin,
Leonita Banlat, Josette Deriada Stephanie Deriada, Sanita Kasim,
Maridel Manaban, Ailene Padrones, Ruditha Poralan, Theresa Realizan,
Sarah Sanchez, Gissell Schwandner, Joewannie Serrano, Julie Biadnes,
Madonna Cadion, Nida Cordova, Clothelde Nillas, Lyn Pedrita, Miolle
Gabiligno and Jenevie Manalo comprise the women’s team, while
Ruperto Sabijon, Usman Anterola, Tolando Isidro, Ricky Sardena,
Salvador Sumagaysay, Jose Ijalo, Joemar Ocquiana, Junrey Dayumat,
Manuel Maya, Diomedes Manalo, Suhod Hakim and Ric Nacional banner
the men’s squad.
-- Emil Noguera
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