Blab Sports
Madhya Pradesh Wins ASMITA South Zone Womens Canoeing and Kayaking Championship 2025-26
The ASMITA South Zone Women’s Canoeing and Kayaking Championship 2025‑26 concluded on Sunday with Madhya Pradesh clinching the overall title at the Gambeeramgedda Reservoir in Visakhapatnam. Odisha finished as runners‑up, while Kerala secured third place.
The two‑day event, part of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Khelo India initiative, drew women paddlers from across southern India and beyond. Competitors contested a variety of canoeing and kayaking races, earning gold, silver and bronze medals. At the closing ceremony, trophies, medals, certificates of appreciation and cash awards were presented to the champions.
Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh (CKAAP) president B. Balaram Naidu emphasized the programme’s role in empowering female athletes. "The ASMITA programme provides a pathway for athletes to advance to national and international competitions," Naidu told the media. "It also strengthens Visakhapatnam’s reputation as a premier water‑sports hub," he added.
Naidu thanked a broad coalition of partners for their support, naming the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Khelo India, the Indian Canoeing and Kayaking Association, the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), district administration, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), police, revenue, health, fire services, irrigation department, technical officials, coaches, referees, volunteers and the media.
The valedictory function drew SAAP officials, district leaders, public representatives, sports association members, athletes and enthusiasts. The gathering underscored the growing interest in women’s water sports across India and the effectiveness of government‑led programmes in creating competitive opportunities.
Gambeeramgedda Reservoir, a vital water source for Visakhapatnam, served as an ideal venue for the championship. The choice of the reservoir highlighted the city’s commitment to developing infrastructure that supports both recreational and competitive water sports.
The ASMITA South Zone Women’s Canoeing and Kayaking Championship is part of a broader effort to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level. By offering a structured competition, the programme aligns with Khelo India’s goal of expanding sports participation and building a pipeline of athletes for national teams.
With the championship concluded, no further events have been announced for the 2025‑26 season. The focus now shifts to the athletes’ preparation for upcoming national competitions and the continued development of water‑sports facilities in the region.
The championship’s outcome highlights the competitive balance among states and the increasing depth of talent in women’s canoeing and kayaking. Madhya Pradesh’s victory, Odisha’s strong showing, and Kerala’s third‑place finish reflect the growing investment in women’s sports across India.
The event also demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between government agencies, sports associations, and local communities in delivering a successful sporting event. Support from SAAP, district officials and various public services was instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the competition.
As the ASMITA programme moves forward, stakeholders anticipate that the momentum generated by this championship will translate into higher participation rates, improved performance standards and greater visibility for women’s water sports on the national stage.
The two‑day event, part of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Khelo India initiative, drew women paddlers from across southern India and beyond. Competitors contested a variety of canoeing and kayaking races, earning gold, silver and bronze medals. At the closing ceremony, trophies, medals, certificates of appreciation and cash awards were presented to the champions.
Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh (CKAAP) president B. Balaram Naidu emphasized the programme’s role in empowering female athletes. "The ASMITA programme provides a pathway for athletes to advance to national and international competitions," Naidu told the media. "It also strengthens Visakhapatnam’s reputation as a premier water‑sports hub," he added.
Naidu thanked a broad coalition of partners for their support, naming the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Khelo India, the Indian Canoeing and Kayaking Association, the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), district administration, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), police, revenue, health, fire services, irrigation department, technical officials, coaches, referees, volunteers and the media.
The valedictory function drew SAAP officials, district leaders, public representatives, sports association members, athletes and enthusiasts. The gathering underscored the growing interest in women’s water sports across India and the effectiveness of government‑led programmes in creating competitive opportunities.
Gambeeramgedda Reservoir, a vital water source for Visakhapatnam, served as an ideal venue for the championship. The choice of the reservoir highlighted the city’s commitment to developing infrastructure that supports both recreational and competitive water sports.
The ASMITA South Zone Women’s Canoeing and Kayaking Championship is part of a broader effort to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level. By offering a structured competition, the programme aligns with Khelo India’s goal of expanding sports participation and building a pipeline of athletes for national teams.
With the championship concluded, no further events have been announced for the 2025‑26 season. The focus now shifts to the athletes’ preparation for upcoming national competitions and the continued development of water‑sports facilities in the region.
The championship’s outcome highlights the competitive balance among states and the increasing depth of talent in women’s canoeing and kayaking. Madhya Pradesh’s victory, Odisha’s strong showing, and Kerala’s third‑place finish reflect the growing investment in women’s sports across India.
The event also demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between government agencies, sports associations, and local communities in delivering a successful sporting event. Support from SAAP, district officials and various public services was instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the competition.
As the ASMITA programme moves forward, stakeholders anticipate that the momentum generated by this championship will translate into higher participation rates, improved performance standards and greater visibility for women’s water sports on the national stage.
