Bhubaneswar: Youngsters from the state will take part in a yachting training programme scheduled to be held in Chennai from February 6.

The training programme is being organised by the Yachting Association of India.

"The players from Odisha have performed well in wind surfing events following which we received an invitation from the national-level association to take part in the event," said Sabir Bux, secretary of the Odisha Yachting Association.

Kalanga Sameya, Kalaga Dharma Raju, Kalaga Suresh and D. Sekhar Rao are the four boys who got selected for the camp along with two girls - Mamita Tudu and Fingi Hasa.

International wind surfer Manaswini Maharana, who helped in the team's preparations, said she was very excited about the trip. "I have taken part in wind surfing competitions a number of times at national and international levels. But, this is a new format of surfing. It will be a good opportunity for the youngsters."

The Yachting Association of India's training schemes cover all types and levels of boating, ranging from learning to sail a dinghy or yacht, through to cruising, top-level racing and power boating.

They offer nationally-recognised training courses developed in India for local conditions. While tailored to India, the content of the schemes and associated materials are universal and where appropriate, have international recognition.

The state yachting association is soon going to start a training centre at river Mahanadi with the help of Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre.

"Following the course, youngsters can engage in a number of activities in the state. It will also help in bringing tourists to the state," added Bux.

Bux had trained 100 swimmers who were stationed on Puri beach during Nabakalebar to prevent accidents and act swiftly in emergency situations. A group of 14 divers from the state also trained techniques of recovering dead bodies from water bodies at the National Institute of Watersports in Goa last year.