Mangaluru: The much-anticipated second edition of India Paddle Festival, the nation’s premier international Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) event, kicked off on Friday at Sasihithlu Beach with a vibrant inaugural ceremony.

Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Lok Sabha MP, officially flagged off the International SUP Championship, marking the beginning of this prestigious water sports event.

Organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, in association with WrkWrk, and backed by Incredible India and Karnataka Tourism, the festival will run until March 9, featuring an electrifying blend of high-level SUP contests and cultural festivities.

Addressing the gathering, Capt. Chowta applauded the Surfing Swami Foundation and the Coastal Tourism Development Council for their commitment to boosting tourism and water sports. He emphasized that while government policies and approvals play a role, true progress stems from local engagement and collaborative efforts.

The opening day also included a specialized workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of Indian athletes, conducted under the guidance of top-tier professionals from the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour.

As the event progresses, participants and spectators can look forward to an exciting fusion of competition, adventure, and cultural experiences.

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