Aakash pujar

The India Paddle Festival: The second day of the International SUP Championship at the India Paddle Festival 2025, the country’s only international Stand-Up Paddling event, saw thrilling battles across all categories at Sasihithlu Beach. In the APP Distance Race (10 km), Spain’s defending champions proved unstoppable, with Esperanza Barreras reclaiming her Women’s title while compatriot Antonio Morillo dominated the Men’s category.

India’s young paddlers made their mark, sweeping all three podium spots in the U-15 Technical Distance Race (1.5 km), with Aneesh Kumar leading the charge. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Keefe Anargya Pranoto emerged victorious in the U-18 Technical Distance Race edging out defending champion Aakash Pujar.

The India Paddle Festival 2025, organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club and presented by Incredible India and Karnataka Tourism, will run until March 9 and promises an exhilarating mix of elite SUP competitions and cultural celebrations.