NEWS RELEASE (#2026-04)
International Dragon Boat Federation Returns to its Founding City with New Global Headquarters in Hong Kong
Hong Kong, 8 July 2026 — The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) has officially opened its new global headquarters in Central, Hong Kong, marking a significant homecoming in the Federation’s 35th Anniversary year. Founded in Hong Kong in 1991, the IDBF’s return reaffirms both its cultural origins and its future ambitions.
IDBF President Mr Claudio Schermi described the relocation as a milestone that reconnects the Federation with its roots while strengthening its global outlook.
“Dragon Boat is back home. IDBF has returned in Hong Kong where it was founded 35 years ago.”
He noted that dragon boat racing has grown from ancient cultural tradition into a truly international sport practiced by millions across every continent, bringing together communities, cultures and generations. Schermi highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international city, a bridge between East and West, and a place deeply connected to the heritage and spirit of dragon boat racing.
The Federation expressed its gratitude to the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA) and its President Mr Chung Chi Lok, Arnold, whose leadership and support have been instrumental in strengthening ties and supporting the re‑establishment of the headquarters in Hong Kong.
Two distinguished guests delivered remarks at the ceremony: Mr Tsoi Kin Pan, George, JP, Commissioner for Sports of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), and Ms Doris Fong, Head of Creative Industries, Sports & Entertainment, InvestHK. Both played an important role in supporting the incorporation and relocation of the IDBF’s administrative base in Hong Kong, offering guidance and collaboration throughout the process. Their contributions helped pave the way for the Federation’s re‑establishment in the city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a centre for international sporting governance.
Looking ahead, Schermi announced a major milestone for the global dragon boat community:
“Next year Hong Kong will host the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships after 30 years. It will be an historic and memorable event for the entire dragon boat community worldwide.”
The opening of the new headquarters marks the beginning of a new era for the IDBF, strengthening its global operations, deepening its cultural roots, and reaffirming Hong Kong’s place at the heart of the sport’s past, present and future.
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- Distinguished guests from InvestHK and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau together with HKCDBA and IDBF board directors celebrate the opening of the IDBF Headquarters.
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- Ribbon cutting ceremony.
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- Left to Right: Ms Doris Fong, Head of Creative Industries, Sports & Entertainment, InvestHK; Mr Claudio Schermi, President of IDBF and Mr Tsoi Kin Pan, George, JP, Commissioner for Sports of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.
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- Left to Right: Mr Naite Zhu (Hangzhou Qiandaohu Peisheng Boat Co., Ltd); Mr Chung Chi Lok, Arnold, 2nd Vice President of IDBF and Chairman of HKCDBA; Mrs Loretta Lewis, Treasurer of IDBF and Mr Zhu Senior (Hangzhou Qiandaohu Peisheng Boat Co., Ltd).
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- Left to Right: Ms Meri Gibson, Senior Vice President of IDBF; Mrs Loretta Lewis, Treasurer of IDBF; Mr Riccardo Fuochi, President of Italy Alliance; and Mr Claudio Schermi, President of IDBF.
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- Left to Right: Ms Belinda Chung, Chair of IDBF Marketing & Media Commission; Dr Raymond Ma; Mrs Loretta Lewis, Treasurer of IDBF; Mr Peter Tang, General Secretary of IDBF and Ms Meri Gibson, Senior Vice President of IDBF.
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.