RI grabs 2 golds, Thailand 3 in canoeing

Host Indonesia claimed two gold medals, two silvers and one bronze in canoeing events on the first day of the 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, but Thailand stole the show after securing three golds and one bronze.

Indonesian rower Eka Oktarorianus claimed both the golds for Indonesia in the men's singles 1,000-meter canoeing event at Lake Cipule, Karawang, West Java, as he paired with Anwar Tarra.

Thai rowers reigned in three kayaking events, raking up all men's singles, doubles and kayak team of four (C-4) events.

Thai team leader for canoeing, rowing and dragon boat, Paraj Ratanajaipan, said that the country's team expected to get the three gold medals.

"It was not beyond our expectations," he told The Jakarta Post shortly after all the races had finished.

Five canoeing events were held on Friday on Lake Cipule. Another three are scheduled to be held Saturday and another seven will follow on Sunday. (mim)