F1H2o boat race finds good sponsors: Himanshu Shukla

Vijayawada: A number of sponsors have come forward for the forthcoming F1H2o boat race which will begin on Friday, said Himanshu Shukla, CEO of AP Tourism Authority.

Talking to The Hans India at the Berm Park on the banks of Krishna River here on Wednesday, he said that so far the sponsors promised Rs 2 to 3 crores for the race. The burden is not on the government, he asserted.
He said that Vijayawada is a wonderful place with a perennial river flowing by its side.

“The river is 10 to 12 km long and has sufficient depth with calm waters, making it the ideal race course for the boat race,” he added.
Actually this is a unique point for the city, he said.

The CEO said that 19 boats are participating in the race, each with speeds more than that of a Chetak helicopter. He recalled Team Amaravati had participated in the boat race in China and secured fourth place.

“We are striving to be in the top three positions in the boat race here,” he said. “The idea is to make Amaravati a global destination for tourists,” he added.

People are going to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and even London to watch such boat races, and added that henceforth they should look forward to the races in Amaravati as well.

Referring to the attendance of people, he said that he is expecting one lakh visitors to the extravaganza.

When asked about the attending celebrities, he said that Naina Sehwal, PV Sindhu, Koneru Humpy and others have been invited. Pertaining to the development of greenery around, he said that it was the chief minister idea.

“The Chief Minister thought if there was a massive programme, such greenery would be developed, he said with a smile. The Tourism Authority is planning to organise an industrial summit, and plans were afoot to start a training school for boat racing enthusiasts,” he concluded.