Angry Dragons Qatar (ADQ) is all set for glory tomorrow (July 17) as they're going to be the very first Dragon Boat team from Qatar to attend in the semi-annual International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew Championships in Szeged, Hungary.
This year, the competition is expected to draw approximately 6,000 athletes from more than 30 countries and for the first time, Qatar is sending a contingent of 30 paddlers from ADQ to compete with some of the best in the world of dragon boat racing.
Speaking to ILQ, ADQ founder Jeff Ching said that they'e excited to race at the premier event and showcase what Team Qatar has in stored for the the not-so-well known team sport. "Not everyone is given a shot at the prestigious club crew world championships so we're making the most out of this golden opportunity to compete at the best of our ability, gain more experience, and to show to the rest of the world that there is a dragon boat team here in Qatar and it's thriving," he continued.
Dragon boat racing is a water sport which has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which has been held for over 2,000 years throughout southern China. While competition has taken place annually for more than 20 centuries as part of religious ceremonies and folk customs, dragon boat racing has emerged in modern times as an international sport, beginning in Hong Kong in 1976.
Basically, the idea of dragon boat racing is there are a total of 20 paddlers in one dragon boat who will row as a team to reach the finish line as fast as they can. And because it's a team sport, coordination will play a big role towards the team's fate. The more coordinated the team is, the more likely they'll cross the finish line and beat their opponents.
"We train 5 times a week, which includes a land training program to strengthen ourselves physically and four sessions on the dragon boat. In between, we also motivate each other to take on various types of activities so that the whole team maintains our well-being."
Jeff also mentioned that the Holy Month of Ramadan was a tough phase for their rigorous training but they were able to balance fasting and paddling in no time—giving them the chance to manage and develop a training program that will suit the multi-ethnic team.
When asked what's next for ADQ after the upcoming championships, Jeff has this to say: "First thing on the agenda is some rest! We will be running some limited sessions going back to the basics, recruitment, and plan for the next season. We're also aiming to attend one large international race in a year, so watch out for that!"
"Lastly, we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation for Sunovatech for sponsoring our team this year at the Club Crew World Championships. Their support has made it possible for us to compete at the highest level," Jeff concluded.
The ADQ team has been in Hungary since July 14th but the competition will kick off starting tomorrow (the 17th) and will conclude on Saturday (July 20). Live broadcasts will be available through the International Dragon Boat Federation and Hungarian Dragon Boat Federation's Facebook page and website. Additionally, Team Qatar will be posting real-time updates on their Facebook page.
Anyone—regardless of age, size, gender, or nationality—is welcome to train with Angry Dragons Qatar so if you're interested to become part of the team, check out their contact details and social media links below!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Angry...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angrydragonsqtr/
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: (+974) 3317 6827
How are you planning to support Qatar's delegates for the Dragon Boat World Championships happening tomorrow in Hungary? Do you think they can bring home the top prize as first timers? Let's all hope and pray that they do! Drop us a line in the comments below and also, don't forget to like and share this article—it keeps us going!
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