Sudarshan Pattnaik in sand sculpting World Cup

New Delhi, Jun 1: Famed sand sculptor

is set to participate in the

for

sculpting in the United States later this month.

The Odisha-based Pattnaik, is the sole participant from India at the competition in Atlantic City, where 20 sculptors from across the world are scheduled to compete in head-to-head singles and doubles competitions.

The event Do/AC World Cup held between June 15 to June 29 will see sculptors create artworks by using 10 tons of sand for global bragging rights and the most lucrative prizes in the world of sand sculpting.

Pattnaik, said he was invited by John Gowdy, the manager of the World Cup of sand sculpting. "I am very happy that I am invited for this World Cup.

This is the first World Cup for sand sculpture. I have participated in many sand sculpture championships and competitions but this will be very tough for me," Pattnaik said in a statement today.

Earlier this year Pattnaik received the Padma Shri for sand art. He has been participated in over 50 international championships and festivals around the world and won many prizes for India.

Known for creating sand sculptures on current issues and social awareness, the 37-year-old artist runs a school for sand sculpting in Puri.

Recently, Pattnaik had created a sand sculpture at prestigious Cannes Film festival in France.

PTI