11th national dragon boat championship kickstarts in Udupi

Brahmavara: The 11th national dragon boat championship, organized by the Udupi district administration in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association kickstarted on February 23.

The 4-day event is being hosted in Udupi’s Swarna river. 480 men and 107 women from 16 states will participate in the race.

Inaugurating the event, Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat said that the championship is being hosted for the first time in Udupi. It will feature 200 meters, 500 meters, and 2 km races and competition is being held in 18 categories.

Bhat also added that coastal people can enhance their skills in water sports if imparted adequate technical training.

Udupi Police Superintendent (SP) Hakay Akshay Machhindra, Gram Panchayat CEO Prasanna H., MAHE Co-Chancellor Prof H.S. Ballal, Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) President Prashant Kushwaha were among those present at the event.