Shivpuri (Uttarakhand), Mar 16 : Enthusiasts from across the country converged at Shivpuri in Uttarakhand to participate in the three-day white water rafting and kayaking competition.

This the third all India open white water rafting and kayaking competition which started at Shivpuri on Saturday.

Participants from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi are taking part in the event.

"As per the danger level of the rivers they are graded in the category from one to five. All international competitions take place at rapids of the category of five grades. Between Shivpuri and Rishikesh there are two four grade rapids, which is very difficult to face," said Meghnath Mandal, a participant.

Commending the initiative, the State's Tourism Minister Prakash Pant said such competitions would give fillip to the State's tourism potential.

"As Uttarakhand is developing into a major tourism destination, I am happy many such competitions are being organised here to promote it. Our State will be hosting South Asian Games (SAF) winter games next year, The State has ample opportunities for adventure tourism as there are so many rivers in it," said Pant.

With the picturesque landscape ranging from lush green valleys to enigmatic mountain ranges, Uttarakhand offers tremendous opportunities for adventure sports including trekking, skiing and water sports.

ANI