Participants paddle their kayaks in the K-4 1,000-metre Sub-Junior Girls event during India's first ASMITA South Zone Canoeing and Kayaking League 2025–26 at the Gambeeramgedda Reservoir in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: KR DEEPAK
The ASMITA South Zone Canoeing & Kayaking Championship-2026 got off to an impressive start at the picturesque Gambeeramgedda Reservoir in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.Organised by the Canoeing & Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh (CKAAP) with the support of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), the championship has brought together young paddlers from southern States.The event is being held under the ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, as part of the Khelo India programme. Visakhapatnam is hosting the ASMITA South Zone Canoeing & Kayaking League 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 across various categories. Karnataka emerged champions in the K4 event, while Telangana won the silver medal and Kerala claimed bronze. In the K2 category, Odisha secured the gold medal, followed by Madhya Pradesh with silver and Andhra Pradesh with bronze. Karnataka continued its impressive run by clinching the K1 gold medal, with Odisha finishing second and Telangana taking bronze.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sribharat expressed happiness over Visakhapatnam hosting the championship and appreciated the athletes for their dedication and commitment to the sport.SAAP Chairman A. Ravi Naidu said the Andhra Pradesh government was committed to promoting water sports and would continue to strengthen infrastructure for canoeing and kayaking in the State.A.P. Canoeing & Kayaking Association president B. Balaram Naidu said it was a matter of pride for Visakhapatnam to host a prestigious national-level championship. Nearly 350 participants, including athletes, coaches, managers and technical officials from across the country, are taking part in the event, he added.District Sports Development Officer (DSDO) June Galiyot and others were present. Published - July 04, 2026 11:26 pm IST
