The ASMITA South Zone Women's Canoeing & Kayaking Championship got underway at the Gambeeramgedda Reservoir in Visakhapatnam, marking the first South Zone event of its kind under the Khelo India ASMITA League. The two-day championship is being organised in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) and the Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh (CKAAP).

Women athletes from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other southern states are participating in the competition across Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior categories. Events include Kayak and Canoe Sprint races over distances of 200 metres, 500 metres, and 1,000 metres, providing a platform for emerging talent to compete at a high level. 

The championship has been launched under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) initiative, which seeks to encourage greater participation of women in sports and create opportunities for athletes to compete at national and international levels. Organisers also hope the event will popularise canoeing and kayaking across the region.

Officials believe hosting the championship will strengthen Visakhapatnam's reputation as a leading destination for water sports. The event is also expected to showcase the Gambeeramgedda Reservoir as a premier venue for canoeing and kayaking competitions while inspiring more young women to pursue competitive sports.