MUMBAI: Amaravati, the upcoming capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is all set to host a powerboat racing championship – F1H20 – later this year.
Formula 1 Powerboat racing (F1H2O) World Championship is making a comeback to India for the first time since 2004.
The event is scheduled to take place on 16th, 17th and 18th November on the River Krishna. The championship will feature teams from Amaravati, along with seven other countries, including Portugal, UK, France, Italy, China and UAE.
Sandeep Mandava, CEO India Extreme Adventure, the organisers of the event, said: “We are thrilled to bring an international event of this stature to Indian shores. F1H2O is immensely popular across the globe and its popularity compares to the F1 motorsport. This is our endeavour to put India on the global map of this exciting sport with the help of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Board and the state government. We foresee the Indian leg of the F1H2O Grand Prix becoming one of the most awaited sporting events in the country going forward.”
The last Indian edition of F1H2O was conducted in Mumbai in 2004 and was won by Francesco Cantando of Italy. The current year’s championship commenced in Portugal on May 18 and will end with the last race taking place in Sharjah on December 15.
F1H2O World Championship, the widely acclaimed water sport will have high end amenities for the teams and volunteers along with top of the line excitement on offer for the visitors.
The state of Andhra Pradesh, in association with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, has planned a cultural extravaganza which will feature a host of activities including exhibitions, culinary trails, AP Handloom fashion show, glass boat rides, quiz and other exciting contests are also planned to get the crowd involved in the action. Another highlight of the race days will be the local fishermen’s boat race.
Himanshu Shukla, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, said: “Hosting F1 powerboat Grand Prix is a matter of pride for the state of Andhra Pradesh and our country. Our endeavour is to make this an annual event that will showcase AP and India on the global sporting map. It will help harness and nurture the sporting culture and attract inbound tourism in the state. A cultural extravaganza awaits the visitors along with heart-thumping action on the circuit that has never been witnessed here before.”
