Water sports enthusiasts and young athletes converged on the shores of Nagachi village in Mandapam block on Friday as Ramanathapuram hosted the State-level Chief Minister’s cup kayaking and canoeing championships.

Organised under the auspices of the Sports Development Authority of India (SDAT), the aquatic showdown drew 110 school and college students representing six distinct zones across the State.

Inaugurating the competitions, District Collector M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran emphasised the profound developmental benefits of aquatic athletics.

Addressing the participants, he noted that rigorous disciplines like canoeing and kayaking are instrumental in building physical fortitude, razor-sharp focus, unyielding mental resolve, and vital teamwork skills.

“Young athletes must cultivate an active interest in sports alongside their academic pursuits from an early age, ensuring they fully leverage these platforms,” he said.

“These competitions serve as a crucial stepping stone, enabling young talent to showcase their prowess and gain invaluable competitive experience for higher-tier arenas in the future,” he noted.