Successful Conclusion of the Inaugural Talaimannar-Dhanushkodi Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge
The first Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge – a sea kayak race from Talaimannar, Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi, India concluded successfully on 11th April 2024. The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Navy in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, National Association of Canoeing and Kayak Sri Lanka, and the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.
The shallow waters in the northern region, particularly the Mannar and Jaffna peninsulas, provide an ideal natural setting for the advancement of water sports. Against this backdrop, this competition was organized to promote tourism related to water sports, bringing various benefits to the people of the Northern Province. This initiative also aims to strengthen the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, inspired by the vision of Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Commander of the Navy. The opening ceremony of the event took place under the guidance of Mr. Ledchumanan Ilaangovan, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, and the Commander of the Navy, at the Talaimannar beach area on the evening of 10th April.
Simultaneously, the Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge began on the morning of 11th April from Talaimannar to Dhanushkodi. Representing Sri Lanka, 31 athletes from National Association of Canoeing, Kayak Sri Lanka, Jade High School Kayaking Club, Adventure SEALs, Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, Bolgoda Lake Rowing Club, Royal College Colombo 07, Gateway College andLanka Adventure participated in the competition. Additionally, 03 players from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association also took part in the event. In a remarkable achievement, the Navy Commander also joined the event by kayaking. Known for his expert kayaking skills and record-setting paddle around the island, the Commander of the Navy provided significant motivation to young athletes by participating in the Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge.
Certificates were distributed to all participants at Talaimannar Beach, in the presence of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, Rear Admiral Priyal Vithana, Rear Admiral Naleen Navarathna, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Commodore Mangala Mummullage, Captain Chaminda Wijesiri, and representatives from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.
The Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge featured two categories, K1 and K2. The men’s championship (Best Paddler) in the K1 category was won by Lance Corporal RR Senaratne of the Sri Lanka Army. The women’s championship (Best Paddler) in the K1 category was won by Leading Air Woman KWN Madushani from the Sri Lanka Air Force. The men’s championship in the K2 category was won by Chief Petty Officer JC Jayasinghe and Leading Engineering Mechanic JB Ekanayake of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of the Navy expressed that the tournament would attract numerous foreign athletes in the future. He emphasized the potential for tourism promotion as water sports become more popular in the shallow seas of the northern region. Plans were discussed to expand the competition route from India to Talaimannar in 2025, with alternating starting points each year. Organizing this tournament would greatly support tourism promotion and bilateral relations between the two countries, facilitating cultural exchange.
Representatives from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, senior Navy officers, government officials, kayak athletes from clubs, schools, and tri-services, as well as school children from the area, witnessed the event.
The Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge, a sea kayak race from Sri Lanka to India, ended successfully on April 11, 2024. Organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and partners, the event aimed to boost tourism and cultural ties between the two countries. Participants from various organizations competed in the race, with Sri Lankan athletes dominating the K1 and K2 categories. The event was attended by high-ranking officials and representatives from both Sri Lanka and India. Plans are in place to expand the competition route in the future, with hopes of attracting more foreign athletes and promoting water sports tourism in the region.
