- Bollywood star Suniel Shetty come onboard as the official ambassador for India Paddle Festival
- The three-day Stand-Up Paddling extravaganza is sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour
- India Paddle Festival receives support from the Government of India and Karnataka
Goa Khabar : The world’s top Stand-Up Paddlers are ready to make waves as the India Paddle Festival, India’s only international Stand-Up Paddling event will kick off tomorrow at the stunning Sasihithlu Beach. This second edition promises an exhilarating mix of elite stand-up paddling (SUP) races, cultural festivities, and community engagement. Organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, in partnership with WrkWrk, and presented by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Karnataka Tourism, the festival is sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, the official world championship tour for SUP.
Bollywood star and fitness icon Suniel Shetty has joined as the official ambassador for the India Paddle Festival. Speaking on the association, Suniel Shetty said, “I am super thrilled that India Paddle Festival is back with some of the best paddlers for an adrenaline-fueled event. Seeing the sport grow in India and witnessing our athletes make a mark on the international stage is truly inspiring. I look forward to another exciting edition of the festival and encourage more people to experience the thrill of paddling. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or have a love for the ocean, this is where you need to be.”
The India Paddle Festival 2025 is expected to attract global attention, with an impressive roster of international paddlers, including World No. 2 Christian Andersen (Denmark), former World Champion Daniel Hasulyo (Hungary), and defending Women’s Champion and four-time World Champion Esperanza Barreras (Spain). Indian paddling powerhouse Sekar Patchai, a 25-time National SUP Champion, will lead the country’s charge alongside rising star Manikandan. Athletes from Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea are also set to bring fierce competition, making this event a true international spectacle.
Adding to the excitement, the festival will host the Mantra Adventure Film Festival, which will feature the thrilling Indian documentaries that weave together the worlds of adventure and extreme sports that are practiced in different parts of India. The films, mostly short productions ranging from 5 to 40 minutes, will be highlighting the activities such as ultramarathon running, rock climbing, surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. Some of the films to be screened include Ganga Girls, a documentary on women kayakers, Life Uphill – Tenzin Dolma Story, Meghalaya Adventure Tourism Film, Dragon’s Lair – Trad Climbing in Sethan, Abus Modrop – MTB, and so on. Additionally, music lovers can look forward to a special live performance by Alva Kuuto, adding a vibrant touch to the festivities.
The festival will commence on Friday, March 7th, with an opening ceremony and initial race heats, followed by a full schedule of competitions, community activities, and cultural events over the weekend. The grand finale on Sunday, March 9th, will feature the final races and an award ceremony, crowning champions of the India Paddle Festival 2025.
