Madhya Pradesh will hold Kayaking national championship soon

Several national and other selection events are scheduled in Madhya Pradesh. State waters are all ready to witness a splash. The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) has asked the Madhya Pradesh Kayaking and Canoeing Association to start preparations in this regard.

The Secretary-general, IKCA, Prashant Kushwaha said that MPCA has proved that water sports events could be organised by following the Covid rules.

“MPCA had recently organised marathon events successfully at Lower Lake. with all the precaution.”
As per the schedule of the IKCA, selection trials of canoe sprint Asian Championships and Olympic qualifying for men and women seniors will be organised in December between 28 to 30 at city’s Lower Lake. “This will be an important selection trial as the players from across the country will participate in the event. With the support of MPCA we will organise a successful trial,” said Kushwaha.

The other big water sports event to be organised in the state will be Canoe Slalom National Championships for juniors, seniors in both the categories — men and women. Tokyo Olympic Games 2021Qualifying selection trials are to be held from between 3 to 6 at Maheshwar.
Prashant claimed that Maheshwar has turned into an important slalom water sports centre in the country. “It is a natural white water flowing body which is excellent for slalom. It has become an important slalom centre in the country,” said Kushwaha.

Another important event to be organised in Bhopal will be the canoe marathon 21km and 15 Km for seniors and Juniors men and women which is scheduled to be organised from January 16 to 18.

“As Bhopal had recently conducted the marathon event for the same categories, we have picked the state capital for the national championship event as well,” said Kushwaha. Bhopal had organised a state-level canoe marathon at Lower Lake last month.
Notably, with a focus on the 2028 Olympics, MPKCA has been grooming its players at Lower Lake. Former national coach Mayank Thakur, who has been training the players at Lower Lake, said, “We are eyeing 2028 Olympics, and our players will make the country proud at the international meets in the next couple of years. ”

Kayak and canoe players practice at Lower Lake on Sunday.