A Chennai boy will represent India in kite surfing at the Asian Games.
Who is he? Chitresh Tatha is no stranger to competition. When he was 12, he represented India in sailing at the Asian Games. A decade later, he’ll represent India in kite surfing in the Formula Kites category at the same event.
- He trained in kite surfing in Bangkok. He was first introduced to the sport when he saw someone do it at Kovalam. He says Kovalam is an ideal stretch of water for kite surfing.
- Apart from Chitresh, four other sailors from the state Sailing Association have qualified for the Games. Among them is Nethra Kumanan, the first Indian woman sailor who qualified for the Olympics.
About kite surfing: A formula kite race has 12 rounds and is the fastest sailing event. Every sailor is harnessed to a parachute while on a surfboard. It’s the first time the event is in the Asian Games, taking place this year in Hangzhou, China. The event will also debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics.