How Did Kadal Kondattam Establish TN's Dominance in Ocean Sports?

Tuticorin (T.N.), Sep 14 (NationPress) Athletes representing Tamil Nadu showcased their dominance on the concluding day of Kadal Kondattam, India’s top ocean sports festival, achieving a remarkable medal sweep in all categories of Kitesurfing and Sea Swimming events on Sunday. Building on their impressive 21 medals from the previous day, the state secured all 12 medals available on Sunday, wrapping up the festival with flair.

The final day featured competitions in Kitesurfing Men’s Open, Sea Swimming Men’s and Women’s Open, alongside Sub-Junior categories. Victors not only received medals but also cash rewards. This three-day celebration was organized by Aqua Outback, led by former National Kiteboarding Champion Arjun Motha, with backing from Tamil Nadu Tourism and the Government of Tamil Nadu, set against the scenic backdrop of Muthu Nagar beach in Tuticorin.

The closing festivities also offered a vibrant cultural display, featuring live music from local bands, friendly beach volleyball matches, Silambam (the traditional martial art of Tamil Nadu), and a variety of local cuisine that captivated attendees.

Kitesurfing

In the Kitesurfing events, Karuppusamy claimed the top spot, while Murugesh and Dylan Fernandez earned silver and bronze, respectively. Remarkably, all three medalists are trained at the Aqua Outback Academy, underscoring its significant role in developing talent in ocean sports.

Sea Swimming

In Sea Swimming, F. Infant Franson won the Men’s Open 200m race, with Vijay and Vishwanathan V.K. taking silver and bronze. In the Women’s Open 200m event, D. Annie secured gold, followed by Vedika Sachin and K. Shrutika in silver and bronze, respectively. The Sub-Junior 100m category saw M. Shashanth, T. Kanish, and R. Kabilan clinching the top three positions.

During the closing ceremony, Arjun Motha, National Kiteboarding Champion and Founder of Aqua Outback, stated, “I congratulate all winners and participants who fought valiantly over the past three days. Competing in ocean conditions is no easy feat, and the determination displayed by these athletes was truly admirable.

“I take pride in what my team has accomplished in delivering this event successfully. My sincere gratitude goes to Tamil Nadu Tourism, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and our sponsors; without their support, this would not have been possible. I hope this festival paves the way for new livelihood opportunities in Tamil Nadu and India while nurturing young athletes in ocean adventure sports,” he added.

Kadal Kondattam 2025 transcended mere competition; it became a cultural and lifestyle celebration. Over three days, the festival featured a Coastal Food Festival showcasing Tamil Nadu’s culinary heritage, Sunset Yoga sessions, Calisthenics and Strength Workshops, Beach Clean-Up initiatives, and enlightening Ocean Awareness programs. This harmonious blend of sport, culture, and sustainability ensured the festival left a profound impact on both participants and visitors.

Beyond the competitions, the festival aimed to bolster the local economy and uplift coastal communities by promoting tourism, generating employment, and integrating Tamil Nadu’s fishing community into the ocean sports movement. It also served as a valuable platform for advocating ocean conservation and sustainable coastal living.