Mangaluru: Some of the world’s top stand-up paddlers, including World No. 2 Christian Andersen and former World Champion Daniel Hasulyo, are set to compete in the second edition of the India Paddle Festival, taking place from March 7 to 9 at Sasihithlu Beach, Karnataka.
Returning as India’s premier international SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) event, the festival promises high-intensity races, ranging from sprints to long-distance endurance challenges.
Top Global Paddlers Set to Compete
The event will see participation from:
✅ Esperanza Barreras (Spain) – Defending women’s champion and four-time world titleholder
✅ Chiara Vorster (South Africa) & Lim Sujeong (Korea) – Top international contenders
✅ Antonio Morillo (Spain) & Will Keetley (UK) – Challenging Andersen & Hasulyo for the men’s title
India’s Rising Stars to Challenge the Best
🇮🇳 Sekar Patchai, India’s national SUP champion and a 25-time titleholder, will represent the country alongside rising talent Manikandan, as they take on the international field.
A Global Sporting Spectacle in Karnataka
The festival, organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, is backed by Incredible India and Karnataka Tourism and sanctioned by the APP World Tour.
With India making strides in water sports—including securing a historic surfing quota for the Asian Games—this event underscores the country’s growing presence on the global water sports stage.
Beyond elite competition, live music, cultural showcases, and a beachside festival atmosphere will make the India Paddle Festival 2025 a landmark event in India’s sporting calendar.
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