Morillo and Barreras Go The Distance In India

MANGALORE, India - Returning to India after taking the distance win in 2024 at the India Paddle Festival, Antonio Morillo from Spain goes back to back to take victory on Day 1 in the long distance. He completed the fast paced 10km race in 44 minutes on a course that took the athletes from the beach, through the surf, in through the jetty for the idyllic river section. After rounding the island it was then back to the jetty and out into the ocean for the last technical section of the course with a zig zag through the surf and into the finish line.

Behind Antonio was the relative veteran of the sport, Daniel Hasulyo from Hungary who finished in second, and Christian Andersen from Denmark in 3rd, once again riding his inflatable race board to secure a podium finish.

All eyes are now on the beach at Sasihitlu for the final day of action here at the India Paddle Festival, with the dynamic sprint format taking center stage this afternoon. Who will take the win in the sprints and who will secure the overall victory?

Esperanza Barreras celebrates International Women's Day with a win in the distance race on day 1 of the India Paddle Festival | Photo courtesy: APP World Tour

Like fellow Spaniard Antonio, Espe returned to India to defend her distance title and was able to go back to back in dominant form. Navigating the diverse course with finesse, Espe finished in a time of 51 minutes, securing victory on the opening day as she prepares to back that up for the overall victory today in the sprint racing.

However, this feat will not be without its obstacles, with great performances from the likes of Sujeong Lim from Korea and Chiara Vorster from South Africa, not to mention up and coming talents from right here in India, as the local Stand up Paddle scene begins to flourish.

This victory was a fitting way to celebrate International Women's Day and encourage women participation in this relatively new region for the sport, in a location that offers the ideal playing field and training ground for aspiring athletes of all ages.

Stay tuned for live updates, highlights and all the latest from the India Paddle Festival. For more info, head to APP World Tour's website.