700 participants from 15 States are likely to participate in the races till February 26. The event will be held at Swarna river in Heroor.
The 11th national dragon boat championship will begin in Udupi for four days from Thursday, with about 700 participants from 15 States expected to participate.
Organised by the Udupi district administration, in association with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, the competitions will be held on the Swarna near Heroor in Udupi.
Those selected in this championship will be eligible to participate in Asian Games to be held in September/October, 2023.
Arrangements like two access roads, space for viewers have been organised in Heroor.
According to Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat, dragon boat race has evolved into a competitive global sport.
‘‘Udupi got an opportunity to host this championship. The prospects of Udupi in organising water sports championships can be explored further. The championship will have 200 metres, 500 metres, and 2 km race,” he told presspersons.
In each category, 25 participants will get selected to participate in the Asian Games, Mr. Bhat said, adding that the dragon boats have already arrived at the venue.
The boats have been designed to look like a dragon’s head, while the rear is carved to look like a tail.
In this event, 22 persons sit on the narrow boat, while the rest of the team works the oars and one person sitting in the front will beat a drum to egg them on and a coxswain steers the boat. There will be three more persons on reserve.
The 10th national dragon boat championship was held in Bhopal last year.
source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)