Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has officially kicked off the second Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship along the picturesque Tawangchu River, drawing more than 100 competitors from across India and international destinations. This thrilling high-altitude event showcases the state’s emerging prominence in adventure sports and underscores its commitment to fostering kayaking and canoeing as key activities.
During the launch, Khandu extended a warm welcome to all athletes and praised the collaborative efforts of the Arunachal Olympic Association, Arunachal Kayaking & Canoeing Association (AKCA), and Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA), along with other stakeholders. He gave special accolades to Bilquis Mir, India’s pioneering female Olympic jury member in kayaking and canoeing, describing her achievements as a powerful motivator for aspiring young sports enthusiasts.
“Her inspiring path serves as a symbol of perseverance and aspiration for our younger generation. Initiatives like this championship are poised to cultivate future Olympic talents from Arunachal Pradesh and the nation at large,” Khandu remarked.
The Chief Minister spotlighted the state’s abundant river systems, perfectly suited for kayaking and canoeing pursuits. He referenced a recent proposal from AKCA to transform five major river basins into dedicated training facilities, noting that the formal request has been forwarded. Khandu pledged full governmental support, in partnership with industry specialists and IKCA, to expand training infrastructure and popularize these water sports.
Reflecting on recent advancements, Khandu pointed out that both the state-level and Tawang district kayaking associations are relatively new establishments. This mirrors a broader shift in Arunachal Pradesh’s athletic landscape over the last decade, evolving from underperformance in national rankings to securing the second spot in the Northeast, trailing only Manipur, based on the 38th National Games standings. He expressed optimism for even stronger showings in the forthcoming 39th National Games.
These accomplishments, according to Khandu, stem from strong national guidance, targeted funding for youth programs, refined sports policies, and upgraded facilities. Over the past ten years, Arunachal athletes have secured more than 1,000 medals in national and global competitions. Notable strides have been made in disciplines like taekwondo, boxing, weightlifting, judo, and wushu, with one local wushu competitor currently holding the top ranking in Asia.
Khandu also extended congratulations to kayaker Devi Dada for clinching a bronze medal in the Kayak Cross category at the 38th National Games. He emphasized how the state’s diverse terrains offer prime opportunities for adventure sports, citing the Mechukha Adventure Festival as a prime example that draws participants nationwide and internationally.
In a boost for the event’s sustainability, the Chief Minister announced that the state government will provide official annual funding for the Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship, integrating it into the Youth Affairs and Sports Department’s calendar. Plans are underway to scale up the event through corporate sponsorships and corporate social responsibility collaborations. “International competitions of this caliber will invigorate tourism, stimulate local economies, and position Tawang as a premier global hub for adventure sports,” he added.
The championship benefited from backing by the Indian Army, Sashastra Seema Bal, NGO Yuva Arunachal, the district administration, and the Tawang Kayaking & Canoeing Association. Attendees included Cabinet Minister Kento Jini, local MLAs, Race Director Charanjiv Singh, and AKCA President Dr. Joram Aniya.
This high-energy gathering not only celebrates sporting excellence but also positions Arunachal Pradesh as a vibrant destination for adventure tourism and outdoor activities in Northeast India.
Tags: Tawangchu Tides Kayaking Championship, Arunachal Pradesh Adventure Sports, Pema Khandu Launch, International Kayaking Event, Tawang River Competition, AKCA Initiatives, Arunachal Sports Development, Bilquis Mir Inspiration, Northeast Tourism Boost, Youth Sports Arunachal
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