ASMITA South Zone Canoeing & Kayaking Championship begins in Visakhapatnam
The ASMITA South Zone Canoeing & Kayaking Championship-2026 commenced at the scenic Gambeeramgedda Reservoir in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, drawing paddlers from southern States for the national-level competition.
Organised by the Canoeing & Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh (CKAAP) with support from the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), the championship is being conducted under the ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of the Khelo India programme. Visakhapatnam is hosting the South Zone Canoeing & Kayaking League under the initiative for the first time.
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat inaugurated the championship.
The opening day’s competitions featured the women’s 1,000-metre kayaking events in the K1, K2 and K4 categories. Karnataka dominated the K4 event, finishing ahead of Telangana and Kerala. Odisha clinched the K2 title, while Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh secured the second and third positions, respectively. Karnataka also emerged victorious in the K1 event, with Odisha finishing second and Telangana taking third place.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sribharat said hosting the championship was a matter of pride for Visakhapatnam and commended the participating athletes for their commitment and sporting spirit.
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh Chairman A. Ravi Naidu said the State government remained committed to promoting water sports and would continue to strengthen infrastructure for canoeing and kayaking across Andhra Pradesh.
Canoeing & Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh president B. Balaram Naidu said nearly 350 athletes, coaches, managers and technical officials from across the country were participating in the championship, describing it as a proud moment for Visakhapatnam to host the prestigious event.
District Sports Development Officer June Galiyot and other dignitaries attended the inaugural ceremony.