Bhopal: Better cleaning and improved infrastructure can transform Upper Lake into a world-class venue for water sports competitions, said Csaba Szanto, the technical expert of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), on Saturday.
In an exclusive chat, Szanto advised TOI that he was in Bhopal to wait for the worldwide canoe championship that started at Upper Lake.
Szanto, a Hungarian national who has devoted more than five decades to the game of canoe dash, has coached rankings of Olympians and beginners. He has contributed to the development of the canoeing discipline in many countries across the globe.
Szanto favored the efforts of championship organizers. “With restricted sources, the organizers have given their quality to conduct such a crucial championship,” said Szanto. However, he became worried about the first-rate of water for the championship.
“As some distance as the wind is concerned, there’s no tons difficulty at the venue. However, my challenge is the first-class of water. However, this is not a big problem, and by overcoming it, the venue could be transformed into a worldwide one,” stated Szanto.
He stated Bhopal could host even more significant activities in the future. “I would love to see Bhopal conducting extra activities in the future. It requires government support additionally. I am satisfied that the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) has done an awesome job setting up the championship,” stated Szanto.
Regarding India’s international presence in kayaking and canoeing, Szanto said, “India is going well. Players must go higher to make India’s presence felt worldwide. I suppose water sports activities are being promoted in a manner that is This sport has a great destiny within the user.”As an expert competitor in Sprint Canoe for 15 years and a member of the Hungarian countrywide group for 10 years, Szanto has a credit score of over a dozen national championships, several medals in worldwide competitions, and a bronze medal at the World Championships.
From 1975 to 1990, he served as head instructor for membership in Budapest, skilled the Hungarian countrywide canoe crew for seven years, and coached the USA Olympic group for three years. Since 1991, Szanto has labored for the International Canoe Federation in some critical capacities. In his profession, he has attended seven Olympic Games and 20 World Championships.
