Kayaking makes history, paddling across the Palk Straits
The inaugural Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge, a remarkable sea kayak race over 30 kilometre distance from Talaimannar, Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi, India, concluded triumphantly on April 11. This prestigious event was organised by the Ministry of Sports with the National Association of Canoeing and Kayaking, Sri Lanka (NACKSL), in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA). As a professional body in the country for ocean related activities, the Sri Lanka Navy spearheaded the event.
The pristine shallow waters of the northern region, particularly the Mannar and Jaffna peninsulas, provides an idyllic natural setting for the advancement of water sports. The competition aimed to boost tourism linked to water sports, offer numerous benefits to the people of the Northern Province. Moreover, it served as a testament to fostering the enduring friendship and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The event commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony held at Talaimannar beach on the evening of April 10, graced by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Ledchumanan Ilaangovan, Planning and Development Director IKCA Ramesh Pradeep Naidu and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The following day, the Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge commenced, involving 31 athletes from the defence services, clubs and schools representing Sri Lanka, alongside three paddlers from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association. The youngest paddler being 16-years-old, the teams comprised both men and women, majority being from the defence services. Notably, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, renowned for his kayaking prowess and record-setting paddling around the island, also participated in the challenge, inspiring young athletes with his presence.
Certificates were awarded to all tournament participants during a ceremony at Talaimannar Beach, attended by esteemed dignitaries including Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, Rear Admiral Priyal Vithana, Rear Admiral Naleen Navarathna, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Commodore Mangala Mummullage and Captain Chaminda Wijesiri, among others.
The Adam’s Bridge Paddle Challenge featured two categories, K1 and K2, with Lance Corporal R.R. Senaratne of Sri Lanka Army clinching the Men’s Championship as the Best Paddler in the K1 category. The second and third places were won by Chief Petty Officer J.C. Jayasinghe and Leading Seaman H.M.A.D. Gunathilake of Sri Lanka Navy respectively.
Leading Airwoman K.W.N. Madushani from Sri Lanka Air Force secured the Women’s Championship as the Best Paddler in the K1 category. The second and third places were won by Jadyn de Silva from the Universal College Lanka and Shantal de Silva from Asian International School respectively. Additionally, Chief Petty Officer J.C. Jayasinghe and Leading Engineering Mechanic J.B. Ekanayake of the Sri Lanka Navy emerged victorious in the Men’s Championship in the K2 category.
In his address at the event, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera expressed his vision for the tournament to attract numerous foreign athletes in the coming years, emphasising the potential for significant tourism promotion in the region. He announced plans to expand the competition route from India to Talaimannar in 2025, alternating the starting point each year, further promoting sports tourism and bilateral relations between the two countries.
Witnessed by representatives from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, senior naval officers, government officials, kayak athletes, and school children, this inaugural event marks a historic milestone. It sets the stage for future editions featuring a myriad of sporting events and national associations such as swimming, lifesaving, kite surfing etc., fostering cultural ties and promoting tourism between India and Sri Lanka and participation from other countries involved in multi water sports activities.
Prithiviraj Perera stands as a pivotal figure in the inception and progression of Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka. In 2004, he laid the foundation for the National Association of Canoeing and Kayaking Sri Lanka (NACKSL) and served as its President until last year, tirelessly working to elevate the sport to international standards.