The City of Lakes hosted the International Kayaking and Canoeing Open Championship, that saw eighty-seven players from 14 countries, like Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sweden, Portugal, and Tunisia, battle it out for the pinnacle spot at Upper Lake, from March 23-25. While India got here first inside the men’s class, the Portugal group rowed away with the pinnacle prize in the ladies’ category. We caught up with the members put up the games, who couldn’t stop raving about Bhopal’s majestic beauty, as well as its top-notch watersports infrastructure.
‘India many of the strongest warring parties’
Mafalda, from the Portuguese team, advised us that this become the primary time that there were competing in a global event. Talking approximately the revel in, he said, “Since the primary European nations aren’t inside the running right here, our strongest opponent right here changed into India. We had been competing not just against other countries, however also the clock, as our group is preparing for the Olympics.” The 3-day occasion noticed a various variety of contributors. Just like the Portuguese guys’s team, the Malaysian women’s team told us this was their first international tournament as nicely, even as the Hong Kong group called it a ‘studying enjoy’. “Ours is a young team that’s mastering each day from anybody,” explained Ming Yu from the team. “We are looking to benefit more experience. We are focused on the Asian championships next, and so it turned into exciting to compete towards the Asian international locations gift here. We were given to study their strengths and weaknesses.”
‘Great to see the superb state of Bhopal’s water sports infrastructure.’
The Tunisian team advised us that they had been taken aback by using Bhopal’s hospitality, in addition to the water sports infrastructure right here. Sassi Khaoula from the crew stated, “It feels tremendous to be here. Back domestic, we hadn’t heard lots about Bhopal. However, after coming here, we’re amazed to peer how nicely-maintained the city is.”
Ming Yu delivered, “We did now not get plenty time to see the town, however from what we can see from right here, the metropolis is amazing and mystic. What we liked the maximum is the expert and correct mindset of the people right here.”
The Nigerian group chief Ola Oluode told us that the Upper Lake reminded him of a lake again home. “We are happy to have been part of this opposition, and have discovered loads of things to help us for a stronger comeback next yr.”
About the Indian crew, he stated he was impressed – “India is doing tremendous, and the system they have got is also very distinctive and superior.”
