UBDC Canal becomes training ground for Punjab’s first-ever river rafting team
Punjab is taking its first major step into competitive river rafting, and the training ground is far from the usual Himalayan rivers. At the UBDC Canal near Taranwala Bridge in Amritsar, a group of young athletes is undergoing intensive training to represent Punjab at the national level.
The team is being prepared by the Punjab Association for Rafting and Adventure Sports, with around 11 to 12 players currently undergoing training. The group includes both male and female athletes from Khalsa College, Khalsa University and Khalsa College for Women.
Three hours of training in the morning and evening
The players are currently undergoing basic rafting training in the canal for around three hours each in the morning and evening. The sessions focus on building fundamental skills before the team moves to rivers with stronger currents and challenging rapids.
Training includes learning how to control and balance a raft, understand water currents, maintain coordination with teammates and respond to emergencies during rafting.
According to association officials, simply knowing how to swim is not enough for river rafting. Players also need to learn how to navigate strong currents, maintain the raft’s direction and safely rescue a teammate who falls into the water.
Safety remains a key part of training
With water sports carrying inherent risks, special safety arrangements have been made at the training site. An ambulance remains available during the sessions, while players are equipped with helmets, safety jackets and other personal protective equipment.
Safety coaches are also present to monitor the athletes throughout the training. Players are being taught how to react if a raft overturns, how to bring it back into position and how to safely pull a teammate out of the water.
Coaches brought in from Shimla
To provide specialised training, coaches from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh have also been brought in. Under their guidance, the players begin their training around 6 am and continue practising for several hours.
Captain Ajay Verma, General Secretary of the Punjab Association for Rafting and Adventure Sports, said the initiative aims to introduce Punjab’s youth to adventure sports and create opportunities for them to compete at higher levels.
Verma, a former Merchant Navy professional who retired in 2020 after around four decades of service, said the association has arranged the required rafting equipment and infrastructure from outside Punjab.
Permission for conducting the canal training has been obtained from the Deputy Commissioner and the Canal Department’s Superintending Engineer.
From rowing to rafting
Several players already have experience in water sports such as rowing and dragon boat racing. However, organised river rafting is a new discipline for them.
Player Priyanshpreet Singh said the team members are excited about the opportunity and are hoping to put up a strong performance while representing Punjab at the national level.
Punjab team to compete in Devprayag from September 17
The biggest test for the newly formed team will come soon. A national-level rafting competition is scheduled to begin in Devprayag from September 17, where Punjab’s team is set to make its first appearance.
The athletes will receive advanced training at locations featuring stronger water currents and multiple rapids before taking part in the competition.
For Punjab, the initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in adventure sports. With a team now being trained in Amritsar and a national competition on the horizon, the state’s first rafting squad will look to turn its canal-based preparation into a strong debut in Devprayag.
