Kolkata/IBNS: Bengal Water Sports, in association with Bengal Dragon Boat & Traditional Sports Association, is set to compete in the prestigious 16th World Dragon Boat Championship 2023, scheduled to take place in Rayong Pataya, Thailand in August.

The team from West Bengal has been gearing up for this global event with an intensive month-long training camp organized by Bengal Dragon & Traditional Boat Association.

The camp, sponsored by Bengal Water Sports, was held at Eco Park from February 25 to March 26. The initiative received valuable support from the esteemed Shri Debashis Sen, IAS (Retired), Managing Director of HIDCO, and Shakil Ahmed, President of Bengal Water Sports.

The Indian contingent is ready to showcase their skills on an international stage, with a total of eighty-six participants representing the country, including nine talented athletes from West Bengal. Among the participants, two hold the prestigious title of Asian gold medallists.

Heading the delegation will be Anup Choudhury, President of Bengal Dragon Boat & Traditional Sports Association, along with team manager Taher Ahmed. The athletes will be guided by experienced coaches, Regi KS and Mr. Farooq Ahmed.

Expressing his delight and appreciation for the team, President Arup Choudhury of Bengal Dragon Boat & Traditional Sports Association said, "We have overcome financial setbacks to make our presence felt at this esteemed championship."

Bengal Water Sports has been at the forefront of promoting sports among the youth, and in 2018, they successfully inaugurated the "Asian School Indoor Rowing Championship." The event received widespread attention from the media and the public for its focus on injury-free sports and encouraging teamwork and leadership among young minds through indoor rowing.

To celebrate the achievements of the participants and medal winners, Calcutta Rowing Club, in collaboration with Bengal Water Sports and Bengal Dragon Boat & Traditional Sports Association, felicitated the athletes who excelled at the recently concluded Para Nationals. The same group of athletes will be representing India at the upcoming World Dragon Boat Championship 2023.

(Reporting by Ayush Gupta)