Royal Brunei Regatta: Putera Kuala Lawas wins again

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Awang Tengah with the jubilant members of the Putera Kuala Lawas team.

(From right) Combo photo shows Damit accepting the trophy on behalf of the winning team from the sultan, witnessed by Awang Tengah .

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Defending champion Putera Kuala Lawas, from Sarawak, retained the 30-paddler marathon championship title convincingly at the Royal Brunei Regatta on Sunday.

Its advisor, Awang Damit Ali Hasan, said his team was looking to win again next year in order to home the HRH Sultan Hassnal Bolkiah Challenge Trophy for good.

The race kicked-off at Kuala Sungai Lumapas and Putera Kuala Lawas crossed the finishing line at the Royal Wharf by at least three-boat length ahead of its nearest challenger.

The contenders were teams from Kalimantan, Indonesia, and Naning, China.

The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Resource Planning and Environment Second Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan witnessed the thrilling races.

Damit was all smiles when he received the trophy and B$6,000 (RM15,000) prize money from the sultan.

Awang Tengah witnessed the Brunei Regatta at the invitation of the Brunei government. His entourage included Assistant Minister of Public Utlities Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibolah, Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang and Limbang Resident Maria Hasman.

Earlier, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah delighted the crowd by participating in the 15-paddler Fibreglass Boat Special Event, which was participated by seven teams.

The sultan led the Regatta ‘A’ Committee Members Team to a winning finish. The Regatta ‘B’ Committee Members Team, led by Prince Abdul Malik came in second, while third place went to the People Bestowed with Titles Team – with Awang Tengah on board.