Karnataka surfers made a remarkable impact at the National Stand-Up Paddling Race Championship, Palk Bay SUP Challenge 2024, held in Rameswaram on September 28 and 29, securing seven medals in total.
Akash Pujar dominated the Under-16 category, clinching first place, while his younger brother, Praveen Pujar, narrowly missed second place, finishing third in the National Under-16 Technical Race. Both brothers, who have been training for two years at the Surfing Swami Foundation, Mulki-Mangaluru, showcased their skills with strong performances.
Akash Pujar made history by becoming the first Under-16 athlete to medal in the National Men’s 12-km race division, securing third place. In the Under-16 200-meter sprint, Praveen Pujar finished second, with Akash following closely in third despite an early fall.
In the women’s category, Tanvi Jagadish from Kadal Surf took home two gold medals in the long-distance and technical races and a silver in the sprint race.
Akash Shetty, the Stand-Up Paddle coach at the Surfing Swami Foundation, credited the team’s hard work, stating, “The medals are a reward for the dedication and preparation, especially in the tough conditions of Rameswaram.”
Surfing Swami Foundation chairman Dhananjay Shetty highlighted the importance of nurturing grassroots talent, announcing plans for outreach programs to identify potential athletes along Karnataka’s coast.
The event was organised by the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association and recognised by the Surfing Federation of India.
Read More: