BHOPAL, 3 October 2003 — The 10th Senior & 4th Junior Asian Kayaking & Canoeing Championship for the first time in India got under way here in Bhopal, the city of lakes, hills and mosques, with a dazzling opening ceremony on a floating stage in the waters of the Upper Lake, the venue of the four day competitions. Madhya Pradesh Cultural Minister Ajay Singh formally declared open the championship in the opening ceremony.
Fourteen teams from all over Asia including hosts India are participating in the competitions with war-torn Iraq making a last minute entry. Reigning champions China and runners-up Iran of the last edition are once again billed to be hot contenders in the four day event. The other teams participating in the championship are Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan and Brunei.
Thirty-two member Indian team, including eight from Madhya Pradesh, has been rigorously training under the seasoned Hungarian coach Gyongyyosi Janos. According to DK Arya, president of Madhya Pradesh Amateur Kayaking & Canoeing Association, (MPAKCA), this water sports is generally dominated by European nations at the world level and China, Iran and Chinese Taipei at Asian level. India still has to taste success in a big way. In the last edition of the championship Indian seniors won two silvers and three bronze medals which they are likely to retain. While the Indian colts are expected to fair much better.
The championship proper will begin with 1,000 meters heats in K1, K2, K4, C1 and C2 races. The semifinals and finals of the 1000 meters would be held in the evening. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh will inaugurate the competitions tomorrow morning.
The championship is being organized by MPAKCA under the auspices of Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, (MPTDC). About Rs. 20 millions is being spent on staging the championship with MPTDC pumping in 17.5 millions.
