Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar had a narrow escape when his kayak overturned in an irrigation canal during a trial run for upcoming national water sports competitions. Trained in kayaking, Kumar was uninjured and proceeded to a government program. The competitions, scheduled for January 11-13, aim to attract tourists during the Sankranti festival. Safety measures are being implemented for the event, which will feature dragon boat and kayaking races over a four-kilometer stretch.