NEWS RELEASE (#2026-01)
IDBF President Represents Global Dragon Boat Community at the 6th Asian Beach Games
IDBF President Claudio Schermi is in Sanya representing the global dragon boat community at the 6th Asian Beach Games — one of Asia’s most prestigious multi‑sport celebrations. Dragon boat features as a full‑medal discipline with six events across 62 races, a programme that reflects both the depth of the sport and the breadth of talent assembled on Hainan Island.
A Powerful Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony delivered a compelling message about what sport, at its finest, can achieve. Across languages, traditions, and cultures, the nations of Asia stood together as one — united by a shared passion for competition and by values that transcend borders. The gathering in Sanya carried significance well beyond sport: a demonstration of peace, solidarity, and the possibilities that emerge when Asia competes together in a spirit of mutual respect.
IDBF President Claudio Schermi at the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya, China representing the sport of dragonboat.
Eye‑Dotting Ceremony
The traditional eye‑dotting ceremony marked the formal awakening of the dragon boats and the beginning of competition. This symbolic moment was led by a distinguished group of international and Chinese sporting leaders, underscoring the importance of dragon boat within the Asian Beach Games programme. Their presence highlighted dragon boat’s cultural heritage, its growing international profile, and its role as a unifying sport across Asia.
Eye dotting ceremony – Thomas Bach, Former President of the IOC; Timothy Fok, Vice President of OCA for East Asia; Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF; Li Haigang, President of the Asian Dragon Boat Federation, Liu Junzhu, President of the Chinese Dragon Boat Association; Xie Jing, Vice Governor of Hainan Provincial People’s Government; Wang Hejiao, Secretary General of Hainan Provincial People’s Government; Zhang Changfeng, Vice Mayor of Sanya Municipal People’s Government.
Informal Meetings
During his time in Sanya, President Claudio Schermi also held a series of warm and informal discussions with senior leaders from across the international sporting community. He appreciated the opportunity to connect with Gao Zhidan, Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, and President of the Sanya 2026 Organising Committee, as well as Gianni Merlo, President of the Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive.
President Schermi also met informally with Thomas Bach, Former President of the International Olympic Committee; Timothy Fok, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia for East Asia; Li Haigang, President of the Asian Dragon Boat Federation; Liu Junzhu, President of the Chinese Dragon Boat Association; Captain Husain Al Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia; and Raja Sapta “Okto” Oktohari, President Olympic Committee of Indonesia.
These conversations reflected a shared commitment to collaboration, the continued development of dragon boat sport, and the IDBF’s role as the world governing body supporting national federations across Asia. President Schermi expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with leaders who share a deep respect for the sport’s heritage and its global future.
Left: IDBF President Claudio Schermi. Right: Gao Zhidan, Minister, General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), President, Chinese Olympic Committee, and President of the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Organising Committee.
Left: IDBF President Claudio Schermi. Right: Gianni Merlo, President of the Association International de la Presse Sportive.
Left: IDBF President Claudio Schermi. Right: Thomas Bach, Former President of the IOC.
Statement from IDBF President Claudio Schermi
“Standing here in Sanya, I am reminded of why we serve this sport. Dragon boat is more than a race — it is a living expression of human solidarity, of many hands pulling together in rhythm toward a common goal.
I am proud to represent IDBF and the entire dragon boat family at these Games, and proud of every paddler, coach, and official who made this programme possible. Compete with courage, with joy, and with the spirit that defines Asian sport at its best — and let the young people of this continent see in you proof that discipline and unity can take you anywhere you dare to dream.”
— Claudio Schermi, President, International Dragon Boat Federation
A Milestone for Dragon Boat Sport
The 6th Asian Beach Games mark another milestone in dragon boat’s journey toward the world’s greatest sporting stages. With strong participation, high‑level competition, and deep cultural resonance, Sanya 2026 stands as a landmark moment for the sport’s continued growth across Asia and around the world.
About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991, it oversees and promotes the sport of dragon boat paddling across the world. With a mission to foster unity, friendship, and fair competition, the IDBF organises multiple international world championships, sets rules and standards for dragon boat racing and equipment, and has a membership base of over 80 national federations.