Raipur, Sept. 13 -- The waters of Swami Vivekananda Sarovar, popularly known as Budha Talab, are emerging as a launchpad for young kayaking and canoeing talent in Chhattisgarh, with free training and improved facilities helping athletes from across the state pursue their sporting dreams.

Athletes from districts including Raigarh, Mungeli, Korba, Jagdalpur and Dantewada are travelling to Raipur to hone their skills, while the availability of para-athlete boats and specialised training has also opened new opportunities for differently-abled sportspersons.

Senior kayaking-canoeing coach Pinky Sahu, who has been associated with the sport since 2011, said the training has always remained free for children at the Raipur club.

"I started the ...