Day 2 of India Paddle Festival: Defending champions retain their title in long distance racing

Thrilling battles at India Paddle Festival 2025 with Spain's Esperanza Barreras and Antonio Morillo dominating, India's young paddlers shine.

The second day of the International Stand-Up Paddling Championship at the India Paddle Festival 2025 saw thrilling battles across all categories at Sasihithlu Beach near Mangaluru.

In the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) Distance Race (10 km), Spain’s defending champions Esperanza Barreras reclaimed her Women’s title while compatriot Antonio Morillo dominated the Men’s category.

India’s young paddlers made their mark, sweeping all three podium spots in the U-15 Technical Distance Race (1.5 km), with Aneesh Kumar leading the charge. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Keefe Anargya Pranoto emerged victorious in the U-18 Technical Distance Race edging out defending champion Aakash Pujar.

The day started with U-18 Technical Distance Race (5 km) that saw a thrilling battle with Indonesia’s Keefe Anargya Pranoto securing first place with a time of 38:46:58. Defending champion Aakash Pujar finished closely behind in 39:35:27, while his cousin, Raju Pujar, secured third place.

In the U-15 Technical Distance Race (1.5 km), Tamil Nadu’s Aneesh Kumar emerged victorious, clocking 10:13:34. Local paddler Pradeep secured second place in 12:16:37, while another Tamil talent, Nitish K., claimed third.

Defending champion Esperanza Barreras from Spain clinched first place with a time of 51:11:35. South Africa’s Chiara Vorster emerged second with 57:44:18 and Korea’s Sujeong Lim came third. India’s Vijayalakshmi Irulappan finished fifth with a 1:03:15:29.

Spain’s Antonio Morillo emerged the champion in the APP Distance Race – Open Men’s Category finishing with 44:53:47 to retain his title. Hungary’s Daniel Hasulyotook emerged second with 45:34:38, while Denmark’s Christian Andersen came third. India’s Sekar Patchai got fourth place with 50:32:46.