Filipino rowers showcased their strength and skill by amassing a significant number of medals in a continental meet, signaling the resurgence of the Philippines in the highly competitive international canoe-kayak scene.
Ojay Fuentes stood out with two gold medals and a silver, contributing to Team Philippines’ total of 20 podium finishes in the Hong Kong Asian Cup. The team’s remarkable performance included nine gold medals in various races.
Fuentes, a 25-year-old paddler, emerged victorious in the men’s open C1 500 meters and 200 meters events, while also securing a silver in the men’s open C1 marathon covering 23 kilometers.
Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF) president Len Escollante expressed satisfaction with the team’s achievements, stating, “There were a lot of challenges in the past three years, and it’s good that we finally overcame them.”
In addition to Fuentes’ success, promising paddler Joanna Barca claimed three individual victories, earning gold medals in the women’s U23 C1 500 meters and 200 meters races, as well as the women’s U23 C1 marathon covering 23 kilometers.
These wins provide a promising preview of the Philippines’ potential success as they host the International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships from October 28 to November 4 next year in Puerto Princesa City.
In the kayaking category, Lealyn Baligasa and Kimly Adie Balboa secured the gold medal in the women’s open K2 1000 meters event.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 30, 2023
