Panaji
In order to promote and popularize windsurfing in the country, the Indian Navy windsurfing Node was established at INWTC Goa at Chicalim Bay, NAD jetty in March 2016, according a release from the organisers.
INWTC Goa, under the aegis of Indian Navy Sailing Association and YAI, organized the first Navy Open windsurfing championship in Goa on the picturesque waterfront at Hawaii Beach, Dona Paula from April 13-16. A total of 24 windsurfers had participated in the championship. “This one of its kind event organized by the Indian Navy, will allow all windsurfing enthusiasts to participate in the competition and test their mettle, and will also promote the sport locally, putting Goa on the forefront of competitive Windsurfing map,” the release read.
The Naval contingent for the championship will itself consist of more than 30 surfers and similar number of participants are expected from all the other military/civil clubs in the country. Commander SP Singh, Indian Navy, the officer-in-charge of INWTC Goa, explained that S Newman Darby is credited for the origin of windsurfing in 1964 and also for getting it recognized as an Olympic sport in 1984. Currently, with many types of boards and sails, windsurfing is the most popular water sport. He also said that the championship would “definitely provide a fillip to windsurfing and attract more youth to take up the competitive sport”.
