SINGAPORE — There was much nervy chatter yesterday about which schools would be crowned champions in their respective divisions at this year’s National Inter-School Canoeing Championships.

After all, with 44 finals throughout the day, there was a sense of unpredictability all around and students could only raucously rally their team-mates on from the shore.

At the end of a tension-filled day at the MacRitchie Reservoir, Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) proved their might as they swept three of the six titles on offer yesterday, winning the “A” Division Boys and Girls team crowns as well as the “B” Division Boys title.

Despite the fact HCI are regarded as a traditional powerhouse, it took their “A” Girls team 12 years to end their title drought when they won three gold and three silver yesterday.

With Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC), National Junior College (NJC) and HCI neck-and-neck until the final event, it all boiled down to the K2-500m race, when a one-two finish by HCI was just enough for them to snatch the title from defending champions NJC.

Their captain Rachelle Han said it was hard graft and team accountability which culminated in their success yesterday. “We worked very hard for today and didn’t want to let each other down,” said the 18-year-old. “But it was a bit of a miracle because NJC have many experienced paddlers, so it was something that I didn’t expect.

“Still, there were a lot of times in training when morale was down. At moments we were disjointed but at the end we all fought towards a common goal as we wanted it badly.”

HCI’s teacher-in-charge Quek Wee Tong added: “They are a great bunch of people who understand the value of teamwork. It’s one year of commitment serving the team and many made personal sacrifices along the way.”

Their rivals NJC may have finished second but their spirits remained high as they believe it is not the result, but the whole process which the team has endured together, that mattered.

“In many ways we grew together and it’s not about the position,” said team captain Clarissa Ho. “Rather, it’s about character development. It’s fine to lose, but what’s more important is to learn and take away from this today.”

HCI’s “B” Division Boys also ended their title drought which stretched back to 2005, winning three gold, four silver and four bronze.

Their 16-year-old team captain Bram Lim said it was all down to meticulous and strategic planning in the lead-up to the annual meet that helped their paddlers peak at the right time.

Temasek Secondary School were also big winners, when they swept the “B” and “C” Girls team crowns, while Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) took home the “C” Boys team title yesterday.