Minister Ramanath Rai Inaugurates Three-day Indian Open Of Surfing at Sasihithlu
Mangaluru: The district administration in association with the Tourism Department, Surfing Federation of India, Mantra Surf Club and Kanara Surfing and Water Sports Promotion Council, organized a three-day Indian Open of Surfing at Sasihithlu beach from May 26 to May 28.
The programme began with the state anthem. ADC Kumar welcomed the gathering. The District Minister in-charge B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the surfing competition by unveiling the surfboard.
Addressing the gathering Ramanath Rai said, “Mangaluru City has diverse culture and attractive places throughout the coast. Surfing is very popular in foreign countries whereas we have not given much importance to surfing. From the last two years, the district administration has taken special interest to promote tourism and the government has supported Surfing because it is also a part of developing tourism. Government has sanctioned funds to organise the surfing event in Sasihithlu because Sasihithlu is a special tourism spot and has all the potential for surfing”.
Ramanath Rai further said, “Today surfers from all over the country are here to participate in the three-day event. I wish the surfers all the very best in the competitions. Let Sasihithlu be a tourism spot and attract more and more tourists in the coming days.
Ramanath Rai also said, “Police commissioner Chandra Sekhar had requested for a transfer. We tried to retain him in Mangaluru Police commissionerate as Mangaluru city needs a tough police officer but due to personal reasons we had to accept his request. Chandra Sekhar is a very good police officer and he has worked with transparency and dedication. His transfer will be a great loss to the Mangaluru commissionerate”.
Deputy commissioner Dr Jagadeesha said, “This is the second edition of Indian Open of Surfing which is organised at this beautiful place Sasihithlu. To develop any tourism spot, we need basic facilities in the area, along with that we need to attract the tourists. Surfing is an event where we can promote tourism and attract the tourists. Tourist coming here should not only feel comfortable but should also promote this tourism spot.”
Dr Jagadeesha also said, “This year we thought of organising the World Open of Surfing but due to some reasons we could not do it. For the next year, the dates have already been fixed for May 25, 26 and 27 to hold World Open of Surfing at Sasihithlu. The government has already instructed to start the preparations for next year and it is going to be a grand event. Hope the surfers will enjoy the Sasihithlu beach and all the three-day competitions which will go on smoothly.”
Surfing Swami Jack Hebner briefed on Surfing and said, “400 years ago fishermen used to shout at the breaking high waves. When the Portuguese were passing by they heard the fishermen shouting at the high waves “Suffe”.and the word ‘Suffe’ was recorded at that time. Later the British changed the spelling as they always do to “Surf”. The word originated from Karnataka, 400 years ago.” said Jack Hebner. He congratulated all the contestants and thanked the organizers for holding this event.
The surfing competitions began with the Masters category and will go on till 3:30 pm. The competitions will end on May 28.
In his presidential address Abhayachandra Jain said, “The transfer of police commissioner Chandra Sekhar is a great loss for Mangaluru. During his tenure, he has worked with transparency and tackled all challenges firmly. He was a nightmare even to hardcore criminals. We need a transparent and bold officer like Chandra Sekhar for the Mangaluru commissionerate.Due to personel reasons Chandra Sekhar himself had requested for transfer, we have tried our best to retain him. We will always remember his service in the commissionerate and we wish him all the success in his future endeavours.
KCCI President Jeevan Saldanha delivered the vote of thanks. Madhu Mailankody compered the programme.
MLA J R Lobo, MLA Moideen Bava, Police commissioner Chandra Sekhar, Mayor Kavitha Sanil, ZP CEO Dr Ravi, Secretary Dept of Tourism Naveen Raj Singh IAS, MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazir, President Gram Panchayat Haleyangadi Jalaja and others were also present.
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