'Welcome surfing in 2020 summer Olympics'

The second edition of the ‘Indian Open of Surfing’ came to a picturesque finish as the Sasihithlu beach revelled with cheers for the participant surfers in the finals on Sunday.

During the valedictory and prize distribution programme, South Africa former Cricketer and Mumbai Indians fielding coach Jonty Rhodes, who was also the ambassador for the event, expressed his joy over surfing being included in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Special day

Sharing also his joy of being blessed with a baby boy, Nathan Jon, last Sunday (May 21), he said that the day was special to him as Mumbai Indians too won the IPL 2017. Jonty was in news last year for naming his daughter after India.

Film actor and producer Suniel Shetty spoke a little in Tulu and said that he belonged very much to Tulunadu. The Indian Open of Surfing has proven to be a proud moment for Karnataka. He said that his childhood memories are associated with Sasihithlu beach and recollected his encounters with Mantra surfing club, which has nourished surfing in the region.

MCC mayor Kavitha Sanil, Haleyangadi Gram Panchayat president Jalaja, Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kumar, Surfing Swami Foundation founder Jack Hebner (Surfing Swamy), KCCI president Jeevan Saldanha and District Youth Congress president Mithun Rai were present during the programme.

Jonty Rhodes, Mrs India South Nishitha Shenoy, Suniel Shetty and MLC Ivan D’Souza gave away the prizes to the winners.