SIXTY-EIGHT teams comprising more than 2,000 athletes from 13 countries and regions will vie for honours at the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) 2026 at Straits Quay Retail Marina.
Scheduled for Nov 27 to 29, the event will be held at Straits Quay for the third consecutive year.
State executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said the regatta was moved from Teluk Bahang Dam to the open waters off Straits Quay in 2024 as water levels at the dam might not be sufficient for the races.
“Despite two days of downpour, the water level at the dam is now at 60% of capacity. We need it to reach at least 70% for the races to be held there,” he told a press conference at Komtar today.
Wong said the organisers had stopped accepting entries due to overwhelming response, as accommodating more teams could require the three-day event to be extended.
Of the 68 teams, 22 are from Malaysia.
China has the largest international contingent with 16 teams, including 11 from Hong Kong SAR, followed by Singapore with eight, Chinese Taipei with six, Australia and Canada with four each, and the Philippines with three. Brunei, Japan, Liechtenstein, the United Arab Emirates and the United States are each represented by one team.
“These numbers reflect the international standing the regatta has developed and the enthusiasm surrounding this year’s competition,” he said.
Wong, who is also the organising chairman, said the committee expects 20,000 visitors daily, generating business for the local community, particularly in the food and beverage, accommodation and transport sectors, through sports tourism.
The opening day on Nov 27 (Friday) will feature a tug-of-war competition and straight-course practice sessions.
Saturday’s programmes include the official opening ceremony, 250-metre races and prize presentations, while Sunday will see teams compete in the 400-metre races, followed by the closing ceremony and presentation of the challenge trophies.
This year’s trophies include the TYT Challenge Trophy, Visit Malaysia 2026 Challenge Trophy and Hong Kong Challenge Trophy.
Wong said a Postcard Stamp Rally would also be introduced, featuring illustrations by creative partner The One Academy, with postal services available on-site.
“This initiative brings sport and creativity together, offering visitors another way to engage with the event and take home a memento of Penang,” he said.
He also thanked the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur for its support, and also platinum sponsors E&O and Straits Quay.
Other partners include Island Hospital (official medical partner), Spin Sportswear (official apparel partner), EMICO (official medal and merchandise partner), Hompton by the Beach Penang and Jazz Hotel Penang (official hotel partners), Swiss Eye (official eyewear partner) and The One Academy (creative partner).
He also expressed his appreciation to Magnum Cares, Starbucks Malaysia, 100PLUS, Perform Plus Physio and Sunshine Bakery for their contributions.
“Their support demonstrates the value of bringing the public and private sectors together to deliver an event that benefits sport, tourism and the local economy,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud