Team Herald
PANJIM: Around 10 kite surfers from Goa will vie against kite surfers from India in the first official National Ranking Kite surfing championship to be held in Goa recognised by Yachting Association of India, in Mandrem from April 16 to 19.
“Goa has had many windsurfers who have represented the country at the Asian and international levels and it is time now that we have a Goan representing India in kite surfing at the 2024 Olympics in France,” said former windsurfing international Derrick Menezes.
“This championship will offer participants an opportunity to gain ranking to represent the country at the Asian level and subsequently qualify for the ’24 Olympics in France where kite surfing is being introduced for the first time, “ stated Derrick.
Goa normally sees around 10 locals and around 10 regular foreigners practising kite surfing on beaches in the North – Morjim and Mandrem specifically. “Kite surfing cannot be practiced at crowded beaches hence athletes prefer secluded beaches,” explained Derrick, who is India’s 15-time National Windsurfing champion.
Though this is the first time that Goa is hosting the National kite boarding Championship, there have been unofficial fun competitions in the past between kite surfers from Goa, India and foreign nationals.
Candido Soares, Mark Butte, Remmy, Myran Gomes, Katia and Dwayne Coelho are some Goans who have represented India in the past and kite surfers from the State are looking to prove their mettle in this sport now.
