Mangaluru (Karnataka) [India]May 27 (ANI): Karnataka’s port city, Mangaluru, is set to witness three days of intense action as top Indian surfers all set to battle it out for supremacy in the third edition of the Indian Open of Surfing.
The three-day premier surfing competition to be held at the serene Panambur beach will be held in two disciplines – Surfing and Stand Up Paddling for Men, Women and Groms (U16) categories.
Over 70 surfers, including all top national surfers, have confirmed their participation in the competition which is also recognized by the International Surfing Association.
Tamil Nadu’s D. Manikandan will defend his title in the tough field of surfers with Tamil Nadu’s T. Nitheshavarun and Babu Shivaraj in second and third positions respectively. Babu Shivraj made his transition smoothly from the Groms category (U 16) and is now one of the most promising talents in the country. Former national champion, Ramesh Budhilal of Karnataka is also set to make a comeback at this year’s event. Satish Saravanan, M Harish and T. Manivannan are also strong contenders for podium finishes.
Ramesh Budhilal, who is returning to the circuit this year, said, “I have prepared a lot for this event and I am confident that I can clinch the national title.”
Rajendra KV, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman District Tourism Development Committee, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, said, “This is one of the few steps in which we are planning to promote tourism in the unexplored parts of Karnataka and partner with SFIs. This collaboration will fuel both the adventures. Water sports and tourism in the country.
Tamil Nadu’s Srishti Selvam, the defending champion in the women’s section, will have her work cut out for her as she will face stiff competition from the very young Sugar Banarse of Goa, Sinchana Gowda of Karnataka and Gayatri Juvekar from Maharashtra.
Sekar Pachai and Tanvi Jagdish would like to maintain their dominance in the stand-up paddling discipline. (ANI)
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