The Dragon Boat qualification system for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China has been approved by the International Canoe Federation.

A total of 12 team quota places will be up for grabs at back-to-back events in Asia later this year as nations seek to qualify for Chengdu 2025.

The first two spots will be awarded at the 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Cup in Yichang, China, held from October 24 to 27.

Competing in a 10-seater boat, a team must race in the mixed team 200, 500 and 2000 events to be eligible for a quota.

The two teams with the highest overall points across all three events will seal their place at The World Games.

The Host Organising Committee for the World Cup is supporting up to 20 people per team to cover their local transportation, meals and accommodation, meaning athletes only need to arrive with their paddle.

Additional prize money totalling close to €100,000 will also be on offer.

The remaining places for Chengdu 2025 will be determined at the 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Puerto Princesa, the Philippines, with competition taking place from October 31 to November 3.

Ningbo Dragon Boat World Cup China

It will be the same system as the World Cup with scores across the mixed team 200, 500 and 2000 counting towards an overall ranking.

The top 10 teams will advance to Chengdu 2025.

To make both the World Cup and World Championships more accessible, the ICF is in the process of procuring a charter flight from Yichang to Puerto Princesa.

It is hoped that the scheduling will aid European teams, meaning they will not have to make two trips to Asia.

Dragon Boat will join Canoe Marathon and Canoe Polo at The World Games 2025.

The Dragon Boat programme will include mixed team 200, 500 and 2000 as well as open 200, 500 and 2000.

“Dragon Boat is hugely popular in China so I am sure it will be very successful at The World Games 2025,” said Wai-Hung Luk, Chair of the ICF Dragon Boat Commission.

“The World Cup in Yichang, China and the World Championships in Puerto Princesa, the Philippines will be fantastic events with quota places on the line in both.

“I am really looking forward to seeing teams compete against each other for places at Chengdu 2025.”

News from International Canoe Federation