Team Indonesia (Lane 4) compete during the Open 8-seater 200m Final of Dragon Boat event at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Dragon boat made its debut as an official sport at the World Games on Saturday, with Indonesia claiming the first gold medal in the open 8-seater 2,000m pursuit race.

Launching first on the Xinglong Lake Hubin Arena, the Indonesian crew powered to victory in a time of nine minutes 8.12 second. Host China followed closely to place second in 9:19.22, while Spain earned the bronze medal with a time of 9:23.75.

Saturday also featured semifinals for four additional events: open 8-seater 200m, open 8-seater 500m, 10-seater 200m, and 10-seater 500m. Finals for these events, along with the 10-seater 2,000m pursuit race, are scheduled for Sunday.

"The competition in dragon boat is very fierce," said Zhao Xiaoli, an international referee for the event. "You cannot underestimate any team, especially in the short-distance races where the gaps between teams are very small."

Zhao also highlighted the sport's global appeal, suggesting its popularity overseas might rival or exceed that in China. "Worldwide, many people participate in this sport during their holidays."

The venue also hosted canoe marathon finals on Saturday. Denmark's Mads Brandt Pedersen took gold in the men's K1 short distance event with a time of 13:45.46, ahead of South Africa's Hamish Lovemore and Portugal's Jose Ramalho.

In the women's K1 short distance, Sweden's Melina Andersson took top honors with a time of 15:20.64. Hungary's Vanda Kiszli claimed silver and Italy's Susanna Cicali secured bronze. China's Zhou Yuexin did not finish the race. ■

Team Indonesia (Lane 4) compete during the Open 8-seater 200m Final of Dragon Boat event at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)