H.A.R.D. Shines at EuroCup 2025 in Barcelona

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Hurricane Alpha Racing Dragons (H.A.R.D.) set another record in its history by claiming the silver medal in the 6th Barcelona International Dragon Boat Festival – EuroCup 2025 in Spain at Castelldefels.

Racing against the world’s best teams, H.A.R.D. made Bahrain proud — as well as the Filipino community and their mixed paddlers from America, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Cameroon, and Pakistan.

Team Spain won the gold, and the United Kingdom secured the bronze, concluding an agonizing and unforgettable struggle.

This win is a superb inspiration of harmony, self-control, and tenacity — not only for H.A.R.D. but for the entire Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) community in Bahrain as well.

“As OFWs, we bring with us our roots, our culture, and our indomitable spirit,” said Dhela C. Solidad, one of the team members. “This medal is proof that who we are as Filipinos shines through in everything that we do.”

On July 3, 2025, the team was warmly welcomed at the Philippine Embassy in Manama during a courtesy call, where they were acknowledged by Her Excellency Ann Jalando-on Louis, Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain.

She congratulated the team on their victory and praised them for showcasing Filipino talent on an international platform.

A team of 16 — including 12 OFWs residing in Bahrain — traveled to Barcelona not only to compete but to proudly add their name to the chronicles of the Barcelona Dragon Boat Festival’s roll of honor. It was a vision they aspired to engrave in silver for Bahrain.

Proud Message
They carried a profound message: that their united determination and unyielding solidarity could elevate them to the pinnacle of the EuroCup 2025 league — even against the world’s most formidable teams.

As the final race approached, the rhythmic clashing of paddles and the distant roar of the audience became the pulse of their collective aspiration — a vision they aimed to inscribe in victory.

“I am immensely proud of how the team performed at EuroCup 2025,” said Coach Julie “Iyahh” Antonino, the 39-year-old team captain and paddler.

“We entered Barcelona with a clear strategy, and the team executed our race plan with both skill and determination. Every paddler committed fully — both physically and mentally — and we have a medal to validate our efforts.”

The unity and perseverance displayed by the team serve as evidence that H.A.R.D. is an unbeatable force.

“Our success wasn’t accidental,” added Coach Iyahh. “It was the result of months of dedicated training.”