Mangaluru, May 6: On the heels of the success of 19th Federation Cup national athletics meet held in Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada is gearing up for a national surfing championship to be held for the first time in the state of Karnataka.
Slated to be held between May 29 -31, the India Open of Surfing (IOS) will be held at Panambur Beach on the outskirts of Mangaluru city. This event will be organised by Surfing Federation of India (SFI) in association with Karnataka Tourism Department, Dakshina Kannada district administration, Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project (PBTDP) and Mantra Surf Club, Mulki.
In a meeting chaired by DK Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim here on Wednesday, SFI vice president Rammohan Paranjape said that around 100 surfers nationwide were likely to participate in the event. There have already received 20 registrations through the website launched for the national surfing championship two days ago – www.indiaopenofsurfing.com.
Around 12-18 surfers are expected from Karnataka state, including 10-12 surfers from Dakshina Kannada. Around 75-80 surfers are expected to participate in the event from all over India, he informed, adding that all participants would be intermediate and advanced level surfers.
He told the deputy commissioner that one of the ambassadors for the surfing event cine actor Suniel Shetty had confirmed his participation in the championship.
The event has been recognised by International Surfing Association (ISA) – the global authority for surfing. Two officials from ISA based in Australia, two judges from Thailand and one from Indonesia will be present during the surfing event, he said.
Different surfing categories
The surfing competition will be held in six different categories – Under 16, Indian Juniors (17-22 years), Indian Seniors (23- 28 years), Indian Masters (29 years & above), Indian Women and Open category (for international participants).
There will also be Stand-Up Paddle Race for Indian athletes, apart from attractions such as demonstrations on kite surfing and wind surfing.
All necessary arrangements will also be made to take care of the safety aspects of surfers including lifeguards, on-spot medical team, ambulance and professional surfers, he added.
Mr Ibrahim said that the district administration would extend all support for the success of the event which would promote the sport of surfing along the coast of Karnataka.
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