The Philippines bagged two gold medals during the recent 9th International Dragon Boat Racing Championship held at the Račice Regatta Center in the Czech Republic, besting 24 other countries and breaking its own world record in the premier event.

According to the Philippine Embassy in the Czech capital of Prague led by Ambassador Regina Irene Sarmiento, the Philippine team earned gold medals in the 200-meter premier open and mixed categories, besting other teams from China, the US, Canada and Germany, among others.

The 9th International Dragon Boat Racing Championship was held from August 26 to 31 this year at the Račice Regatta Center, about 60 kilometers north of Prague.

The Philippine team was headed by Benjie Ramos, Philippine Dragon Boat Federation President; and head coach Nestor Ilagan.

The team broke its own world record in the 200-meter premier open category with a time of 40.022 seconds. The previous record of 41.91 seconds was set by the nationals at the 8th International Dragon Boat Racing Championship in Sydney, Australia in September 2007.

Following the recent win, the Philippine team will compete at the King’s Cup in Thailand this month and at the SAVA Sprints International in Singapore in October.

The Philippine team will also be preparing for the 10th International Dragon Boat Racing Championships to be held in Tampa, Florida in 2011.