IDBF Returns to its Founding City with Hong Kong Incorporation

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) has taken a significant step in its long‑term global strategy with the formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026. The move reinforces the city where the Federation was founded in 1991 as its enduring institutional home.

Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF, said:

“Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family.”

This vision is reflected in the Executive Committee resolution of 9 May 2026 confirming the relocation of the IDBF global headquarters to Hong Kong. The decision underscores the Federation’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing member services and positioning dragon boat for its next phase of international growth.

The announcement comes in a landmark year that marks the 35th anniversary of both the IDBF and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.

As part of this new chapter, the IDBF will become the first international sports federation to participate in the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Pilot Scheme, an initiative designed to support international sports bodies establishing a base in the city.

The IDBF acknowledges with appreciation the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association’s continued support and its critical role in helping the Federation through this important step.

The Hon. Kenneth Fok (centre) welcomes the International Dragon Boat Federation at the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, joined by IDBF President Claudio Schermi (right) and IDBF Vice President Chung Chi Lok, Arnold (left), who also serves as President of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association.

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.

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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.

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