Record-Breaking National Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Championship in Rameshwaram

The National Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Championship in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, has set a new record with over 120 participants. Scheduled for September 28-29 at the picturesque Pirappanvalasi Beach in Palk Bay, the event will feature athletes from nine states competing in sprint (200 meters), technical (4 kilometers), and distance (12 kilometers) categories across five divisions: men, women, groms (U-16), defense, and open.

The event is organized by Quest Academy under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India and supported by the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association, affiliated with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).

Key Athletes

Reigning champions from Tamil Nadu, Sekar Patchai and Monica Pugazharasu, will return to defend their titles. Other notable athletes include M Manikandan, Tanvi Jagdish, Muthu Kutti, Ajith Govind, Raja Pandian, Anandi Aarthi, Yamini Kannan, and Vijayalakshmi Irulappan.

Promoting the Sport

Upasna Mody, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association, emphasized the sport’s impact on coastal communities, providing career options for youngsters. International Surfing Association SUP coach Jehan Driver highlighted the ideal geography of Palk Bay for developing champions.

International Potential

Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India, noted the sport’s potential for international success, including the Olympics. He celebrated India’s recent achievements at the Asian Surfing Championship in Maldives, which secured two spots for the upcoming Asian Games.

With a record-breaking number of participants and high-caliber athletes, this year’s SUP Challenge promises to be the most competitive and exciting edition yet.