The Dakshina Kannada district administration plans to make the first national surfing championship, to be held in here from May 29, an annual event. It will soon submit a proposal to the government.
Chairing a meeting to oversee preparations for the two-day event here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim directed the Assistant Director, Tourism, to submit a proposal.
An annual event would not only encourage surfing as a sport, but also promote tourism in the region, he said. The Tourism Department has provided Rs. 24 lakh for this year’s event, while the organisers are planning to get sponsors for the cultural events during evenings.
Mr. Ibrahim released the event logo. He also asked the federation to rope in the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CREDAI Mangaluru unit, hoteliers association, tours and travel agencies association and youngsters to promote Dakshina Kannada as a tourism destination.
Though Mangaluru has been the home of surfing as the Surfing Federation of India took birth at Mulki near the city about four years ago, it did not host any national event so far, federation vice-president Rammohan Paranjape said.
Making a presentation at the meeting, Mr. Paranjape said over hundred participants, including about 12 from Dakshina Kannada, would participate in the event. While judges would come from Indonesia and Thailand, International Surfing Association representatives would come from Australia for the event, which would start from 7.30 a.m. and continue till afternoon.
Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project chief executive officer Yatish Biakampady said a food festival too would be organised at the venue.
For details, log on to www.indiaopenofsurfing .com or www.surfingfederationofindia.org. Contact 9902433404 or 9980845767 or mail kishore @surfingfederationofindia.com or ram@ surfing federationofindia.org
The events include stand up paddle race, kiteboarding demo and wind surfing demo
Ratings and rankings being introduced for the first time for Indian surfers
Proposal to be submitted soon
