More to come from Philippine paddlers

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — Following the country’s overall triumph in the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships, Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation president Leonora Escollante said the best is yet to come for the Filipino paddlers in international play.

“While I am proud of what we achieved in the worlds, I believe that there is still some room for improvement. May kulang pa,” Escollante said.

Armed with months of intense training and cheered by the hometown crowd, the Filipino campaigners thrived and captured overall honors with a glittering haul of 11 golds, 20 silvers and eight bronzes for their best finish in the world meet sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation.

They relegated traditional regional power Thailand to second place with a tally of eight golds, while the squad composed of Individual Neutral Athletes were in third place with six gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

As the former longtime coach of the national dragon boat squad, Escollante pointed out “that I believe our athletes can deliver more as they work on the areas they can improve on because the proper technique and execution is already there.”

Escollante said the federation needs the support and financial resources not only from the government but from the private sector to meet the nutritional requirements and other needs of the national paddlers.

She now hopes the recent victory would open the eyes of private sponsors to the immense potential of the country in the sport.