Beach and ocean sports fest kicks off in Puri

Puri: The Mahodadhi Divas and International Beach and Ocean Sports Carnival kicked off Tuesday at Puri's Golden Beach, drawing participants from across the globe for a three-day celebration of maritime sports and culture.The event has attracted over 35 delegates from 10 countries, alongside 300 local participants competing in various life-saving water sports competitions. Teams from India and Sri Lanka are leading the charge in events including beach flags, run-swim-run, relay races and surf-ski challenges."This festival aims to promote coastal tourism, ocean conservation and essential life-saving skills in water sports," said Siddhartha Ray, chairman of the organising committee. He announced that American athlete Jonathan Robinson will receive the prestigious ‘Mahodadhi Award', while ‘Save Coastal Life' organisation will be honoured with the ‘Kalinga Sagar Award'.Retired Admiral P D Sharma, president of the National Life Saving Society, inaugurated the event as chief guest. The carnival features traditional sports like beach kabaddi, bodybuilding and tug-of-war, complemented by an art gallery.Evening programmes include state-level poetry recitations and cultural performances featuring Odissi, Mahari, Sambalpuri and tribal dances. A special discussion on ‘The Importance of Physical Fitness in Spiritual Life' was also conducted.The festival, scheduled to conclude on Thursday, continues to draw spectators and participants.Puri: The Mahodadhi Divas and International Beach and Ocean Sports Carnival kicked off Tuesday at Puri's Golden Beach, drawing participants from across the globe for a three-day celebration of maritime sports and culture.The event has attracted over 35 delegates from 10 countries, alongside 300 local participants competing in various life-saving water sports competitions. Teams from India and Sri Lanka are leading the charge in events including beach flags, run-swim-run, relay races and surf-ski challenges."This festival aims to promote coastal tourism, ocean conservation and essential life-saving skills in water sports," said Siddhartha Ray, chairman of the organising committee. He announced that American athlete Jonathan Robinson will receive the prestigious ‘Mahodadhi Award', while ‘Save Coastal Life' organisation will be honoured with the ‘Kalinga Sagar Award'.Retired Admiral P D Sharma, president of the National Life Saving Society, inaugurated the event as chief guest. The carnival features traditional sports like beach kabaddi, bodybuilding and tug-of-war, complemented by an art gallery.Evening programmes include state-level poetry recitations and cultural performances featuring Odissi, Mahari, Sambalpuri and tribal dances. A special discussion on ‘The Importance of Physical Fitness in Spiritual Life' was also conducted.The festival, scheduled to conclude on Thursday, continues to draw spectators and participants.
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