Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)

Udupi, Feb 24: MAHE pro-chancellor Dr H S Ballal inaugurated the 11th national level dragon boat championship that is organized for the first time in Udupi in Madisaalu river of Uppoor on February 23.

District administration, zilla panchayat Udupi, Youth empowerment and sports department, Udupi district, Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association and Kayaking and Canoeing Association of Karnataka are jointly hosting the event.

Addressing the gathering Dr H S Ballal said, “There is plenty of opportunities to organize water sports in coastal Karnataka. In addition, the physical fitness of local youth is complimentary to water sports. There is no doubt that local youths will shine at national and international level with proper training.”

Prashant Kushwaha, president of Indian Kayaking and Canoeing association, Major General M N Devaiah president of Kayaking and Canoeing Association of Karnataka, secretary Dilip Kumar, Manjit Singh, president of Indian Dragon Boat team, Sumitra R Nayak, president of Udupi city municipality, Mahesh Kotian, president of Uppuru gram panchayat, Baby, president of Chantaru gram panchayat, Prabhakar Shetty, president of Harady gram panchayat, Birti Rajesh Shetty, president of welcome committee of dragon boat championship, Prasanna H, CEO of zilla panchayat, SP Akshay Hake Macchindra, Roshan Shetty, deputy director of youth empowerment and sports department and other eminent personalities were present.