Amaravati, January 11, 2026: Dragon boating, a team paddle sport rooted in Kerala's backwaters, has taken firm root in Andhra Pradesh's Rayalaseema region.
In Kurnool district, the District Sports Authority launched the program in 2022, starting with just five participants. Today, 35 young athletes including nine girls, train daily at a lake near Nagaravanam in Gargeyapuram.
Under coach B Chandrasekhar, sessions run from 6 to 9 am, building stamina, coordination, and teamwork through physical conditioning and on-water drills with strict safety measures.
Using kayaks and canoes for now, the group awaits dedicated dragon boats soon. Achievements include two gold, three silver, and one bronze at an October state meet in Kurnool, plus a national bronze in Delhi last year.
