Kota Kinabalu: The 11th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2026 is set to make a grand return with a total of 126 teams competing across 10 categories.
“This year’s response has once again been enthusiastic and overwhelming. We expect this major sporting and cultural event to showcase the thrilling spirit of dragon boat racing and draw visitors and supporters from around the world to Sabah,” said organising chairlady, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen.
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She said the organising committee are fully prepared and look forward to welcoming all athletes and the public to this large-scale international event.
Susan, who is also Deputy President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), made the announcement after chairing the technical meeting for the race here on Wednesday.
Also present were race director Datuk Balwant Singh Kler, Assistant Race Director Zachary Mobijohn and technical officers Omar Baki Aliakbar, Aaron Yin, Albart Gurud and Yee Kwok Wai.
She said the event will be held from May 15 to 17 at Likas Bay. This year’s competition features 10 categories, with total prize money amounting to RM95,000.
Susan disclosed that the event has attracted participation from 126 teams from 83 organisations, including two organisations from Brunei, two from Kuala Lumpur, eight from Sarawak, as well as teams from Kota Belud, Sandakan and Tawau.
A total of 65 teams are from Kota Kinabalu, reflecting strong local participation.
Training sessions and a team managers’ meeting, followed by a draw ceremony on the morning of May 15. A beach party and welcoming dinner will take place at Likas Bay at 5pm to welcome the participating teams.
On May 16, an oath-taking ceremony for participants conducted by Jonathan Wong will be held at 6.30am, followed by preliminary races across all 10 categories. A 7km dragon boat race will take place at 3.30pm.
The event will reach its peak on May 17, when Head of State Tun Musa Aman is expected to officiate the opening ceremony, including the traditional drum-beating and rice dumpling tossing ritual.
He will also present prizes to the winners of the grand finals.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, along with State cabinet ministers, assemblyman and members of parliament, are also expected to attend the event.
Susan emphasised that the FCAS Dragon Boat Race has become an international brand for Sabah through the collective efforts of various parties. Besides promoting cultural harmony among different communities, it has also significantly boosted local tourism and economic development.
