HULU BERANG: The inaugural Little Amazon of Terengganu River Challenge (LARC) drew 46 paddlers, including national-level athletes and former national representatives, for a 10km race along Sungai Hulu Berang on Oct 25.
Competitors from Johor, Negeri Sembilan and the Klang Valley took part in the four-category event, which tested their endurance and technical skills on the river.
Race director Mohd Najib Alias said the river’s Class 1 classification did not make the challenge any less demanding, as competitors had to negotiate fast-moving water, tight bends and natural obstacles.
“The 10km course was far from easy. Beyond physical endurance, paddlers had to adapt to changing river conditions, with shallow sections at certain points demanding additional effort to maintain their progress towards the finish line,” he said.
The encouraging turnout has prompted organisers to consider introducing more categories when the competition returns next year.
Former national canoeing coach Muhammad Hakimi Abdullah said grassroots competitions such as LARC were important in developing Malaysia’s competitive depth in kayaking.
Hakimi, who finished runner-up in the Elite Mixed category, said Malaysia had the potential to challenge for honours at Asian-level competitions and the Olympic Games, provided aspiring athletes were given stronger development pathways and more opportunities to compete.
“Talent development must start at the grassroots level. More competitive domestic events would give paddlers the exposure and experience needed to raise their performance standards,” he said.
He also identified Hulu Berang as a venue worth retaining on the national competition calendar, citing its accessibility, suitable facilities and distinctive river-racing conditions.
Hakimi coached the national canoeing squad at the 2011, 2013 and 2015 SEA Games.
In the Elite Men’s category, Hassan Al Basri Ali and Muhammad Mustakim Zulkarnain claimed the title in 1:15:53. The duo, silver medallists at the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) World Championships in the Philippines, finished ahead of the host team, while Kamikaze Buga took third place.
Mohammad Zulhaiqal Mohd Nasri and Muhammad Aizat Ishak won the Men’s Open category in 1:16:02.
In the Elite Mixed category, Tuan Muhammad Hidzam Tuan Dolah and Nur Sarah Adiba Suhaimi took the title in 1:15:04, while Ahmad Haziman Ahmad Rozi and Nur Aina Natasha Riduan won the Mixed Open category.
The race featured sit-on-top double kayaks (SOT Double), with the 10km course starting at Jenoba Camp Site in Belukar Bukit and finishing at CBT Kalang Rengas.
