NEWS RELEASE (#2026-03)
HKIDBR Celebrates 50th Anniversary at a Defining Moment in the IDBF’s Global Story
Hong Kong, 7 July 2026 — The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (HKIDBR) marked their 50th anniversary with a landmark edition on 27–28 June, drawing record participation and reaffirming Hong Kong’s pivotal role in the global development of dragon boat sport. More than 4,000 athletes, 220 local teams, and 48 overseas teams took part, the highest numbers in the event’s history and a powerful reflection of the city’s enduring influence on the sport.
To commemorate the golden jubilee, organisers introduced a special Fishermen’s Cup category, celebrating the traditional origins of dragon boating. Featuring traditional wooden dragon boats, the Cup honoured the fishing villages whose rituals and celebrations formed the foundation of modern dragon boat racing.
Senior leaders from the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) joined the anniversary celebrations. Claudio Schermi, President; Meri Gibson, Senior Vice President; Chung Chi Lok, Arnold, 2nd Vice President; Mike MacKeddie‑Haslam, Founder and Honorary President; Loretta Lewis, Treasurer; and Peter Tang, General Secretary presented flags to each of the fishermen dragon boat teams, recognising the cultural significance of their heritage and Hong Kong’s role in preserving traditional racing styles.
IDBF dignitaries also took part in the god blessing ceremony held the day before the festival, and were present throughout the opening and closing ceremonies and medal presentations, underscoring the Federation’s longstanding connection to Hong Kong’s dragon boat heritage.
The HKIDBR has been central to the evolution of dragon boating over the past half‑century. Originating from fishing villages in Hong Kong, the races grew into one of the earliest modern international dragon boat competitions in 1976, helping propel the sport onto the world stage and laying the foundation for the establishment of the IDBF in 1991.
This anniversary year marks a rare convergence in the sport’s history — the 50th anniversary of the races that sparked modern international dragon boating, the 35th anniversary of the IDBF, and the 35th anniversary of the HKCDBA, a founding member of the Federation and long‑standing co‑organiser of the HKIDBR. Together, these milestones underscore Hong Kong’s enduring place at the heart of the IDBF’s global story.
Reflecting on the milestone, Belinda Chung, Chair of the IDBF Marketing & Media Commission, highlighted the significance of international participation:
“The 50th anniversary of HKIDBR is a landmark moment for our sport. Hong Kong’s legacy continues to inspire paddlers worldwide, and we’re proud to see so many overseas teams taking part in this historic edition. Their participation speaks to the strength, passion, and international spirit that define dragon boating today.”
Looking ahead, Hong Kong will host the 18th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in 2027, an honour for both the IDBF and Hong Kong, and marking 30 years since the city last hosted the World Championships in 1997.
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- IDBF, HKTB, HKCDBA and local race officials and guests at the blessing ceremony.
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- Dragon boat action at the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races. Photo credit: Felix Chung.
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- IDBF President Claudio Schermi, presenting the flag to a local fisherman dragon boat team.
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- Local fisherman teams in traditional wooden dragon boats at the pre-race flag presentation ceremony.
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- IDBF delegates at the Fisherman’s Cup pre-race flag presentation ceremony.
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- IDBF delegates at HKIDBR at medal presentation.
About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991 in Hong Kong, 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.