Mangalore, March 7 : World's best Stand-Up Paddlers, including World No. 2 Spanish duo of Fernando Perez (Men's)and Esperanza Barreras (Women's) along with Bianca Toncelli, reigning SUP Junior Champion, and reigning national champion Sekar Patchai are all set to showcase a thrilling competition at the country's first-ever International Stand-Up Paddling event, India Paddle Festival.

The three- day Stand-Up Paddling extravaganza is sanctioned by The Association of PaddleSurf Professionals World Tour (APP)' the official professional World Championship Tour for the sport of Stand-Up Paddling. The India Paddle Festival will be hosted at the pristine Sasihithulu beach in Mangalore from 8th-10th March 2024 while India's first international stand-up paddling competition is being organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and is presented by Karnataka Government.

The inaugural India Paddle Festival will see a total of 45 stand-up paddlers from across the world competing in four categories ' Men's Open, Women's Open, Junior U-16 Boys, and Girls.

The event has also received strong support from the country's top athletes like Indian cricketer KL Rahul and reigning world no.1 men's doubles shuttler Chirag Shetty.

Speaking on the event, Tristan Boxford, CEO, APP World Tour, said, ''It's amazing to be here at the India Paddle Festival in Mangalore, India's first ever International Stand-up Paddling event. We already have established ourselves across Europe, Americas, Asia, the Pacific and Middle East, and now we are looking at India as the next big growth market for the sport. We have been discussing with Surfing Swami and Mantra Surf School for many years now about the opportunity to bring something here andfinally we are embarking on this adventure together.'

He further added, 'Sasihisthilu is such a beautiful beach and a venue for Stand-up Paddling. And I hope to witness some intense competition over the weekend. We've got athletes from Denmark, Hungary, Spain, Korea, Indonesia, all over the world to Thailand.We also have some top class athletes like, Christian Anderson (Denmark) and world no. 2, Fernando Perez from Spain while on the women's side, world no. 2 Esperanza Barreras is one of the fastest women in the world.'

Ambassador of the event, Sunil Shetty said, 'Big shout to Team Mantra (Mantra Surf Club), all the officials. This is a great step, looking forward to many such events in Namma Mangaluru, the very best spot in the country for surfing and other water sports.Best wishes to all the athletes, participants, and organizers for making this event a great success.'

Goodwill ambassador of the event, Indian cricketer KL Rahul said, 'The first ever International Stand-up Paddle Championship is happening in one of my favorite cities in India, Mangaluru. Firstly, a big congratulations to the organizers, who have made this event possible. I have been following their work for some time now, and I feel proud that your hard work has maintained Mangaluru's reputation. Wishing all the participants, the very best for the championships.'

Goodwill ambassador of the event, Indian shuttler who also is a reigning world no.1 men's doubles Chirag Shetty said, 'Congratulations and best wishes to Mangaluru and Mantra Team for hosting the first ever International Stand-up Paddle Championship on the Indian shores. This is going to be a great step towards promoting the fastest-growing water sport. My best wishes to all athletes, participants and organizers.'

Day 1 will commence with a Yoga session, followed by a Community/Pro SUP Paddle session. The main event on the same day will be the junior race, scheduled for the evening. The heats and finals of the technical races for both men and women will be held on Day 2. The main attraction of the India Paddle Festival, the sprint races, will be held on the final day along with the finals of the community race.

/IANS