Bhubaneswar, Jan. 19: Now, you can enjoy windsurfing in the Mahanadi river with scuba diver Sabir Bux imparting lessons in the water sport.

The renowned diver has set up a training centre opposite the jetty near Odisha State Maritime Museum for people to pick up the tricks of the trade.

Around 150 water sports enthusiasts, most of them college students and women, have already put in their names. Apart from windsurfing, one can also learn and enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving in the river.

Bux wants to promote water sports activities in the state with this initiative.

"The youths of the state are interested in water sports. I just made an attempt to give them an opportunity to experience water sports," added Bux.

He added that the Mahanadi was quite favourable for water sports. "The water is full of aquatic life, making underwater diving interesting. The wind flow is also ideal for surfing, while the depth of the water is perfect for kayaking," said the diver.

Around 25 professional divers are involved in training people in water sports. Though Bux is offering the training free for the time being, a charge will be levied in future.

While diving yesterday, Bux located around three sunken vessels lying at a depth of around 20ft in the river. "I am sure there is a lot more to explore under the Mahanadi," said Bux.

Young boys from the local fishermen's communities are also getting trained at the centre. After initial training, Bux plans to send them to the National Institute of Water Sports in Goa to pick up various life-saving techniques.

Before setting up the centre, Bux had also trained the instructors in the sea off Gopalpur beach.

"I had trained around 18 boys for more than four months. Upon completion of the training here, a group of four boys were sent to Goa for further training. At present, they are employed at several private beaches in the town," said Bux.

"Water sports is at a very nascent stage in our country. We are first trying to develop the culture at various places across the state. Our aim is to create professionals who could initiate adventurous activities," said undersecretary of the department, Bedabandhu Mishra.

In March last year, Bux had initiated a Mahanadi cleaning drive. He also plans to expand the drive. <>"I will involve the trainees in the cleaning process. The initiative will inspire people from all walks of life to protect the ecosystem," said Bux. After securing his mechanical engineering diploma

While working as a sales executive in Jeddah, Bux undertook an advanced open-water course that enables a diver to dive at night. He also holds a certificate in underwater photography and videography.

The state sports and youth services department has come forward to support Bux's initiatives. The government has also given Bux around Rs 10 lakh to buy equipment required for the training.

"We are working with a number professional institutes and divers to promote water sports in the state," said director of state sports and youth services department A.K. Jena.