India Paddle Festival 2025 launched by Minister Priyank Kharge at Sahyadri Campus

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 23, 2025: The India Paddle Festival 2025, the country’s only international Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) event, was officially launched by Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, IT & BT at a ceremony held at Sahyadri Campus on Saturday.

Presented by Karnataka Tourism and Incredible India, the event unveiled the festival’s official creatives, accompanied by a video highlighting the success of its inaugural edition. Scheduled to be held at Sasihithlu Beach from March 7 to 9, the festival aims to promote stand-up paddle boarding and surfing tourism.

 

 

 

 

Speaking at the launch, Kharge said, “Karnataka’s stunning coastline is the perfect setting for global competitions like this. The rapid growth of coastal sports in the state, especially surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, is remarkable. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that boost adventure tourism and local sports.”

Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation, the event will feature top international paddlers from the Association of Paddle Surf Professionals World Tour and emerging Indian athletes competing on a global stage.

Ram Mohan Paranjape, director of the Surfing Swami Foundation, emphasized the festival’s role in fostering sustainable development and growth of water sports. "With elite competitions, community races, and workshops, the India Paddle Festival 2025 promises an action-packed schedule and aims to elevate India’s status in the global SUP arena," he said.