National surfing event in May in Mangaluru

National surfing event in May in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 12, 2015 :  Follwing the much hyped ’National Federation Cup Athletics Meet’  set for Mangaluru between May 1 and May 4, the coastal city is gearing up to host another national/ international event — National Surfing and SUP Championship at Panambur Beach.

 

Fixed for the  third or fourth week of May, the surfing championship is to be conducted by the Surfing Federation of India and Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project. The event is expected to attract nearly 70 participants from the country  as well as outside.

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes and Hindi film actor Sunil Shetty, who themselves are keen surfers, are slated to make guest appearance during the event, said Yathish Baikampady, chief executive officer of the Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project.

Federation vice-president Rammohan Paranjape said a group of Indian surfers from Mantra Surf Club, Mulky, formed the National body in 2011, which has been recognised as the National Governing Body for Surfing in India by the International Surfing Association. The federation was now striving to get the event included in the Olympics and other multi-sporting events, he said.   Yathish said the three-day championship at Panambur Beach would be the first  such event in Karnataka.   The idea was to promote the beaches of Karnataka as popular surfing and adventure destinations.

Govt support  :   Financial support from the government to organise the not-for-profit event, and would be submitting a proposal for it soon.   The basic cost would come to about Rs. 15 lakh — with erection of a viewers’ pavilion taking the cost up to Rs. 50 lakh,  Yathish said.  Notwithstanding the cost, such an initiative would go a long way in promoting the sport as well as tourism.

Necessary information for this event contact :  Yathish Baikampady : Mob 9449035570; Federation president Kishore Kumar on 9902433404, email: kishore@surfingfederationofindia.org, or  Paranjape on 9980845767, email: ram@surfingfederationofindia.org, or from the website www.surfingfederationofindia.org.

The Objectives  :  To promote Beach and Surf Tourism in Karnataka. Present Surfing as a healthy and competitive sport. To promote local talent. Develop the sport at the grass root level. Alternate job opportunity for youth and fishermen community and so on.

Championship categories  :  Grooms under 16 /  Junior boys 17-22 / Seniors Men 22-28/ Masters Men 28 and above/ Women open category.

International :   Men’s Open & Women’s Open.