Sasihithlu Beach All Set for Indian Open of Surfing
Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim held a press meet to announce the Indian Open of Surfing 2016, at his office here, on May 25.
Addressing the mediapersons, Ibrahim said that the Indian Open of Surfing will be inaugurated on 27 May 9 am, at the Sasihithlu beach. Minister of Tourism and Medium and Large Industries R V Deshpande will inaugurate the surfing competition. District minister in-charge Ramanath Rai and the Health minister U T Khader will grace the occasion. Minister for Youth Services, Sports and Fisheries Abhayachandra Jain will preside over the function.
Speaking to the mediapersons, president of Surfing Federation of India Kishore Kumar said that there will be seven categories in the competition and the entry fees have been kept minimum so that the participants respect the event. The fee structure for under 16 is Rs 200, under 22 – Rs 300, under 28 – Rs 400, above 28 years, Women open category and open masters category – Rs 500 and for foreigners – Rs 1000. Merchandise like T-shirts and caps, food and accommodation will be provided to the participants. The event will start at 7:30 am and go on until 11:30 am. After the lunch break, competitions will resume at 12 until 3:30 pm.
He further said that 85 participants have already registered their names and 15 more participants are expected to register on May 27. The total prize money for the three-day event is Rs 6 lakh. For the national level category, first place will get Rs 25,000, second place Rs 15,000 and third prize Rs 10,000. For the open category, first place will get Rs 50,000 and second place Rs 25,000.
Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said that this is an open invitation for students who are interested in surfing. Those who are interested will be given hands-on training and exposure to the sport on all the three days. But for those who are willing to join surfing, knowledge of swimming is a must.
The total expenditure for the Indian Open of Surfing is Rs 40 lakh, for which the government of Karnataka has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh.
Director of Tourism Bengaluru Sathyavathi IAS, ADC Kumar, CEO ZP Sreevidya IAS, Police Commissioner M Chandra Sekhar IPS, President of KCCI Rammohan Pai Maroor and others were also present.
