Kadal Kondattam 2025: How Did Tamil Nadu Athletes Fare on Day 1 of India’s Top Ocean Sports Festival?

Tuticorin (TN), Sep 14 (NationPress) Athletes representing the host state of Tamil Nadu showcased their prowess on the inaugural day of Kadal Kondattam, India’s premier ocean sports festival, achieving a remarkable clean sweep in all categories for both Kayaking and Stand-up Paddling.

Originally scheduled to commence on September 12, the event was postponed due to unpredictable weather and challenging sea conditions. On Day 1, Tamil Nadu athletes secured a total of 21 medals across various categories, including Sub-junior, Senior, U-18 Boys, Girls Senior, and Open Men’s categories in Kayaking, as well as Amateur Standing Position Men and Girls Senior categories in Stand-up Paddling.

This three-day festival is organized by Aqua Outback, led by former National Kiteboarding Champion Arjun Motha, with backing from Tamil Nadu Tourism and the Government of Tamil Nadu, taking place at the stunning Muthu Nagar beach in Tuticorin.

Despite the postponement of the initial competition day due to adverse weather, athletes participated in practice sessions, demonstration races, and captivating giant kite displays. Callisthenics and Strength Workshops also saw enthusiastic participation.

Kayaking

In the Kayaking events, the Sub-junior Boys’ category saw Anto Amirthan, Niranth, and Michael Rithik take home gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. The Senior Men’s category was dominated by Manikandan M, Karuppasamy M, and Muthu R, who captured the top three positions. The U-18 Boys’ event was led by Ragul, who secured gold, followed by Thangasamy with silver, while Anto Amirthan earned bronze, increasing his medal tally. In the Girls’ Senior category, local favorite Anaina (Aqua Outback) clinched gold, with Vijaya Lakshmi and Priya Dharshini taking silver and bronze, respectively. In the Men’s Open, Ragul, Thangasamy, and Kanna finished first, second, and third.

Stand-up Paddling

In the Stand-up Paddling events, the Amateur Standing Men’s category was dominated by Manikandan M, Karuppasamy M, and Muthu R, who replicated their successes from Kayaking. In the Girls’ Open category, Vijaya Lakshmi, Priya Dharshini, and Anaina also achieved gold, silver, and bronze, marking a double win for all three competitors.

The day also featured heats in Kiteboarding, where Arjun, Dylan, Karuppasamy, and Chitresh advanced to the finals, slated for tomorrow.

Beyond the sporting events, Kadal Kondattam 2025 aims to significantly impact the local economy and coastal communities. The festival promotes tourism, creates new livelihood opportunities, and actively engages the fishermen community of Tamil Nadu within the ocean sports ecosystem. It also serves as a vital platform for raising awareness about ocean conservation and sustainable coastal living.