16/04/2024
Kayaking makes history racing across the Palk Strait from Sri Lanka to India.
Inaugural Talaimannar-Dhanushkodi Adam’s Bridge Annual Paddle Challenge concludes on a successful note.
The inaugural Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge, a remarkable sea kayak race over 30km distance held from Talaimannar, Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi, India, concluded triumphantly on April 11th, 2024. This prestigious event was organized by the Ministry of Sports with National Association of Canoeing and Kayaking, Sri Lanka (NACKSL), in collaboration with Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA). As a professional body in the country for ocean related activities, Sri Lanka Navy spearheaded the event.
The event commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony held at Talaimannar beach on the evening of April 10th, graced by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Mr. Ledchumanan Ilaangovan, Planning and Development Director IKCA Mr. Ramesh Pradeep Naidu and the Commander of the Navy. The following day, the Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge commenced, witnessing 31 athletes from the Armed Forces, Clubs and schools representing Sri Lanka, alongside 3 paddlers from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association. The youngest paddler being 16 years old, the teams comprised both men and women, majority being from the armed forces. Notably, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, renowned for his kayaking prowess and record-setting paddle around the island, also participated in the challenge, inspiring young athletes with his presence.
The Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge featured two categories, K1 and K2, with Lance Corporal RR Senaratne of the Sri Lanka Army clinching the men's championship (Best Paddler) in the K1 category. The second and third place won by Chief Petty Officer JC Jayasinghe and Leading Seaman HMAD Gunathilake of Sri Lanka Navy respectively. Leading Air Woman KWN Madushani from the Sri Lanka Air Force secured the women’s championship (Best Paddler) in the K1 category. The second and third place won by Jadyn de Silva from Universal College Lanka and Shantal de Silva from Asian International School respectively. Additionally, Chief Petty Officer JC Jayasinghe and Leading Engineering Mechanic JB Ekanayake of the Sri Lanka Navy emerged victorious in the men's championship in the K2 category.
In his address at the event, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera expressed his vision for the tournament to attract numerous foreign athletes in the upcoming years, emphasizing the potential for significant tourism promotion in the region. He announced plans to expand the competition route from India to Talaimannar in 2025, alternating the starting point each year, further promoting sports tourism and bilateral relations between the two nations.
Witnessed by representatives from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, senior naval officers, government officials, kayak athletes, and school children, this inaugural event marks a historic milestone. It sets the stage for future editions featuring a myriad of sporting events and national associations such as swimming, life saving, kite surfing etc., fostering cultural ties and promoting tourism between India and Sri Lanka.
