BY Fadhil Yunus

PTB Team emerged champions in the 30-Rower Traditional Boat Open Marathon category in the 27th National Traditional Boat Race Championship at the Serasa Water Sports Complex on Sunday.

The newly-crowned champions clocked a time of 4:20.39, ahead of runners-up Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PPDB) who posted a time of 4:20.60.

Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) rounded off the podium in third with a time of 4:20.77.

PTB Team Head Coach Abdul Karim bin Haji Chuchu said, “Alhamdulillah, we feel proud after achieving success in this year’s competition.

He continued, “We have been training for more than two months prior to the competition.

Insya Allah we will be going to Kuching at the end of October to take part in the Sarawak Regatta. The event is certainly recognised internationally.”

The team had already resumed overseas meets this year in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah last July.

They did not secure a podium finish but reached the final in the competition.

Boneka Paddlers was awarded Best Team in recognition of their performances.

Meanwhile, Seri Pahlawan were among the biggest winners after claiming top spot in the 10-Rower Traditional Boat Open category and the 10-Rower Fibre Boat Open category.

Other winners also included SPSS Sdn Bhd in the 25-Rower Traditional Boat Open category; Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the 20-Rower Fibre Boat Between Ministries category and 10-Rower Fibre Boat Between Ministries category and; Tutong District Boat Race Team in the 15-Rower Fibre Boat Veteran Open category.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad presented the prizes.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin