The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Shri late Raja Randhir Singh Ji.

IDBF President Claudio Schermi, on behalf of the entire IDBF community, extends the Federation’s deepest condolences to Dragon Boat India & Traditional Sports Federation, and all those mourning this loss.

Raja Randhir Singh Ji’s support for the development of dragon boat in India was an invaluable contribution to our sport, and one that the IDBF acknowledges with the deepest gratitude. The paddlers who take to the water today, representing India on the world stage, are part of a legacy he helped build.

The IDBF held great respect and admiration for Raja Randhir Singh Ji and for his lifelong dedication to sport, leadership, and service to the sporting community.

At this moment of deep grief, the IDBF’s thoughts and prayers are with his family, his loved ones, and all those who had the honour of working alongside him. May they find comfort in celebrating the extraordinary life he lived and the countless lives he touched on and off the water.

He will not be forgotten. His legacy will always remain in our hearts.

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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CCWC 2026 Official Social Media & Scam Alert Guidelines

Discover the official social media channels for CCWC 2026 and learn how to identify and report fake Facebook groups, pages, and profiles impersonating the IDBF or the Championships. This page provides clear steps for reporting impersonation or scam accounts, guidance on staying safe online, and links to verified IDBF Facebook and Instagram profiles. Always verify event information through official channels to protect yourself and the global dragon boat community.

The official social media channels for CCWC 2026 are:

• IDBF Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idbf.dragonboat.sport/
• IDBF Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idbf.dragonboat.sport/
• Follow the IDBF on our official handle, @idbf.dragonboat.sport, on Facebook and Instagram.

Beware of Fake IDBF Championships Social Media Accounts
Fake Facebook groups, pages and profiles impersonating the IDBF, past championships and CCWC 2026 Hualien have been reported. These accounts may share misleading information, send friend requests, or invite you to unofficial groups.

• The IDBF is an organization, not a person, it will never send friend requests.
• The IDBF will never invite you to a closed Facebook group for this event.
• Even if a friend or family member is already in a group, it does not mean the group is legitimate. Always verify using the official links above.

How to Report Suspicious Accounts
If you encounter a suspicious profile, page, or group:

1. Use the platform’s Report function (e.g., “Report Profile,” “Report Group,” “Report Post”).
2. Select Impersonation or Scam/Fraud as the reason.
3. Do not engage with the account or accept any requests.
4. Inform your team so others can avoid the scam.

If you are unsure whether an account is legitimate, you may send a message to the verified IDBF Facebook or Instagram accounts listed above.

Stay Safe Online

• Always check the handle, URL, and follower count of event pages.
• Never share personal or financial information with unverified accounts.
• Be cautious of phishing attempts offering ‘exclusive access or discounts’, ‘special passes’ or ‘prizes’.
• When in doubt, verify via the official IDBF website: https://www.dragonboat.sport

Staying vigilant helps protect the entire dragon boat community and ensures a safe online experience leading into the Championships.

Reported scam Facebook groups

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.

The post CCWC 2026 Official Social Media & Scam Alert Guidelines appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

In this powerful episode of Paddles Ready, Meri Gibson President of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission and Senior Vice President of the IDBF shares the story behind one of the most inspiring global movements in paddle sport. Speaking about the growth of breast cancer paddling across 40+ countries, Meri reflects on how dragon boating has become a source of community, purpose, and life‑changing connection for thousands of survivors worldwide. Her conversation with Dougie and Hando offers a deeply human look at why participation matters, how the movement continues to expand, and the emotional truth behind the phrase, “this could be their last adventure.”

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.

The post Paddles Ready x IDBF: ‘ This Could Be Their Last Adventure’ – A Conversation with Senior Vice President Meri Gibson appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

As the IDBF begins its next chapter with the establishment of our new Headquarters in Hong Kong, President Claudio Schermi recently joined Paddles Ready for a wide‑ranging conversation on the future of dragon boating and the federation’s global direction. Recorded in Macau, China the discussion explores the sport’s rapid growth, the importance of strengthening dragon boating’s international identity, and the strategic steps ahead as we work toward greater global and Olympic recognition. This episode offers a clear, candid look at where the sport stands today — and what must evolve for it to reach the next level.

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.

The post Paddles Ready x IDBF: ‘We Are a Sport’ – A Conversation with President Claudio Schermi appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

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.

The post IDBF Returns to Its Founding City with Hong Kong Incorporation appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

Cathay Pacific Exclusive Offer for Clubs competing at the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships

Cathay Pacific is pleased to support the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships (CCWC2026) with an exclusive offer of up to 10% off the marketing selling price for flights from worldwide to Taipei on Cathay Pacific flights.

This special offer applies to the clubs competing at CCWC2026, for departures from 21 August 2026 to 7 September 2026.

Please note that the departure period restriction only applies to the inbound-Taipei sector, the return date must be within 30 days from the date of travel or less, subject to general ticket conditions.

Book online via this special offer page or contact IDBF News for the promo code or the CX Customer Care Department.

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.

The post CCWC2026 Exclusive Airfare Offer with Cathay Pacific appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

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.

The post IDBF President Represents Global Dragon Boat Community at the 6th Asian Beach Games appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

Bulletin 2
The information in Bulletin No.2 is complementary to Bulletin No. 1. The two Bulletins together serve as the complete guidance to date.

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) and the Chinese Taipei Dragon Boat Association (CTDBA), cordially invite all crews from clubs affiliated with IDBF Members to participate in the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) in Hualien, Chinese Taipei, from the 29th August to 6th September 2026 at Liyu Lake. This lake is located in Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan.

Team arrival, training and registration will be held from Saturday 29th August to Monday 31st August. The Championships will be held from Tuesday, 1st September to Sunday, 6th September 2026. Crews are advised to arrive no later than the morning of Monday, 31st August. Team registration has to be fully completed by no later than 12pm.

Information in Bulletin No.2 provides further details on the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Dragon Boat Championships and reminds participating Club Crews about the important timelines that must be adhered to.

Provisional entries were closed on 18th February to provide a gauge of the participation and crews can continue to register until Monday 18th May 2026 where this is the deadline for Confirmed entries to be made (which must be done using the IDBF online registration system). In addition, participating clubs are requested to upload to the IDBF registration system the details of their participants/athletes and their photographs as soon as possible but with a final deadline of Tuesday 30th June 2026.

Bulletin 2 covers:

• Changes from Bulletin 1
• Provisional Entries – as at 3rd March 2026 (by competition class)
• Entries
• Team Registration Appointments
• Provisional Schedule
• Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing
• Site Map
• Boats and Equipment
• Closing Party
• Declarations
• Accommodation and Transfer
• Food, Beverages and Meals
• Drinking Water
• Tents
• Sponsor Logos and Event Branding on Team Racing Jerseys
• Media Accreditation
• Official Social Media Channels for CCWC 2026 and Scam Alert
• Anti-Doping
• Paradragon
• Visa process for Taiwan

Key Dates

• Confirmed Entries Close – 18th May 2026
• Applications for Paradragon Chaperone passes – 23rd June 2026
• Final team names submission (against which all fees will be charged) – 30th June 2026
• Submission of Paradragon – Certificate of Diagnosis – 26th July 2026
• IDBF Registration Fee due – 1st August 2026

The IDBF and CTDBA encourage your Club to enter the 15th IDBF CCWC, Hualien 2026 and look forward to welcoming you to join the Championships.

• Download Bulletin 2
• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for CCWC 2026 Hualien

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Bulletin 2 – 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships Hualien appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

Dear Clubs,

This is a reminder that Provisional Entries for the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships – Hualien 2026 close on 18 February 2026. If your club intends to race, please ensure your entry is submitted before the deadline.

Key Dates

• Provisional Entries Open – 16 January 2026
• Provisional Entries Close – 18 February 2026
• Confirmed Entries Close – 18 May 2026
• Final team names submission (against which all fees will be charged) – 30 June 2026
• Accommodation & Transfer Booking (limited availability) – 15 February 2026 (for best booking)

This year’s CCWC is shaping up to be an exciting championship week, with a full racing program across all divisions including Juniors, 24U, Premier, Seniors, Paradragon, BCP and ACP.

The IDBF and CTDBA encourage your Club to enter the 15th IDBF CCWC, Hualien 2026 and look forward to welcoming you to join the Championships.

• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for CCWC 2026 Hualien

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships, Hualien – Provisional Entries close 18 February 2026 appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) and the Chinese Taipei Dragon Boat Association (CTDBA), cordially invite all crews from clubs affiliated with IDBF Members to participate in the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) in Hualien, Chinese Taipei, from the 29th August to 6th September 2026.

Bulletin 1 covers:

• Location and venue
• Racing and rules
• Entries (including fees)
• Entry requirements
• Race entries classes and distances
• Provisional schedule
• Accommodation and transfers
• Transportation (how to get to Hualien)
• Visa process for Taiwan

Key Dates

• Provisional Entries Open – 16 January 2026
• Provisional Entries Close – 18 February 2026
• Confirmed Entries Close – 18 May 2026
• Final team names submission (against which all fees will be charged) – 30 June 2026
• Accommodation & Transfer Booking (limited availability) – 15 February 2026 (for best booking)

The IDBF and CTDBA encourage your Club to enter the 15th IDBF CCWC, Hualien 2026 and look forward to welcoming you to join the Championships.

• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for CCWC 2026 Hualien

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships, Hualien – Bulletin 1 appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.