India\u2019s young paddlers made their mark, sweeping all three podium spots in the U-15 Technical Distance Race (1.5 km), with Aneesh Kumar leading the charge. Meanwhile, Indonesia\u2019s Keefe Anargya Pranoto emerged victorious in the U-18 Technical Distance Race edging out defending champion Aakash Pujar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The India Paddle Festival 2025, organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club and presented by Incredible India and Karnataka Tourism, will run until March 9 and promises an exhilarating mix of elite SUP competitions and cultural celebrations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The day started with the U-18 Technical Distance Race (5 km) saw a thrilling battle, with Indonesia\u2019s Keefe Anargya Pranoto securing first place with an impressive time of 38:46:58. Defending champion and local favorite Aakash Pujar finished closely behind in 39:35:27, while his cousin, Raju Pujar, secured third place with a time of 43:00:59.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the U-15 Technical Distance Race (1.5 km), Tamil Nadu\u2019s Aneesh Kumar emerged victorious, clocking 10:13:34. Local paddler Pradeep secured second place in 12:16:37, while another Tamil talent, Nitish K, claimed third with a time of 13:23:42.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defending champion Esperanza Barreras from Spain once again showcased her dominance in the 10 km APP Distance Race, clinching first place with a stellar time of 51:11:35. She was followed by South Africa\u2019s Chiara Vorster in second place with 57:44:18, and Korea\u2019s Sujeong Lim, who secured third with 58:33:37. India\u2019s Vijayalakshmi Irulappan, finished in a commendable fifth place with a time of 1:03:15:29.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on her victory, Esperanza Barreras said, \u201cThe competition was incredible, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it. I had a lot of fun, and the conditions here are always excellent. I didn\u2019t feel much pressure defending the championship because I focused solely on myself during races, without worrying about anything else. But I can say that I really pushed hard to secure the win today, and I\u2019m absolutely thrilled with the result.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Spain\u2019s Antonio Morillo emerged as the champion in the APP Distance Race \u2013 Open Men\u2019s Category, finishing with an exceptional time of 44:53:47 to retain his title. Hungary\u2019s Daniel Hasulyo took second place with 45:34:38, while Denmark\u2019s Christian Andersen rounded out the podium in third with 47:05:46.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Among Indian paddlers, Sekar Patchai put up a strong performance, securing fourth place with a time of 50:32:46, followed by Manikandan M., who finished sixth in 52:31:23.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Spain\u2019s Antonio Morillo emerged as the champion in the APP Distance Race \u2013 Open Men\u2019s Category, finishing with an exceptional time of 44:53:47 to retain his title. Hungary\u2019s Daniel Hasulyo took second place with 45:34:38, while Denmark\u2019s Christian Andersen rounded out the podium in third with 47:05:46.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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