Visakhapatnam will host the ASMITA South Zone Women’s Canoeing and Kayaking League on Saturday and Sunday at the Gambeeramgedda Reservoir under the Khelo India initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The championship, described by the organisers as the first South Zone ASMITA Canoeing and Kayaking League to be held in the country, is being organised in association with the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) and the Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh (CKAAP). Competitions will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, and Joint Collector G. Vidhyadhari each unveiled a poster for the championship.

Women athletes from the southern States will compete in sub-junior, junior, senior and women’s categories in kayak and canoe sprint events over distances of 200 metres, 500 metres and 1,000 metres.

According to the organisers, the championship aims to encourage greater participation of women in sports, identify emerging talent and promote canoeing and kayaking across the country. The event is also expected to showcase the natural beauty and sporting potential of the Gambeeramgedda Reservoir as a premier water sports destination.

The organisers have invited sports enthusiasts, students, families and the public to attend the championship and cheer the participating athletes.