Kuantan, Malaysia | 6 July 2026
Tamil Nadu Team Skyters has brought international recognition to India by winning the Creative Kite Champion Award at the Kuantan International Kite Festival 4.0 in Malaysia. The prestigious award was presented for the team’s spectacular Poikkal Kuthirai (Horse Dance) Show Kite, which made its world premiere at the festival.
The award-winning kite is the latest addition to Team Skyters’ mission of transforming Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage into giant show kites that captivate audiences across the globe. Following the international success of the Jallikattu Bull Kite and the Thanjavur Doll Kite, the debut of the Poikkal Kuthirai Kite marks another milestone in promoting Tamil Nadu’s vibrant folk traditions through the art of kite flying.
Tamil Nadu Team Skyters is also recognized as the team that conceptualized and curated the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival, one of India’s leading international kite festivals that has grown into a major tourism attraction, bringing together world-renowned kite flyers and showcasing Tamil Nadu’s culture to international visitors.
The team is led by Benedict Savio, whose vision is to create a complete series of giant show kites representing the iconic cultural symbols of Tamil Nadu and fly them at major international festivals around the world.
“Every cultural icon of Tamil Nadu deserves a place in the global skies. Through these kites, we are creating a unique identity for Tamil Nadu at international festivals while inspiring people to discover our rich heritage,” said Benedict Savio.
The festival also highlighted the next generation of Indian kite flyers. Leroy Savio (14) and Leander Savio (12), the youngest members of Team Skyters, represented Tamil Nadu with impressive aerobatic kite flying demonstrations. Their participation reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring the future of kite flying in India.
With the Creative Kite Champion Award, Team Skyters has once again demonstrated how innovation, culture, and tourism can come together to earn global recognition. The achievement further strengthens Tamil Nadu’s presence on the international festival circuit and reinforces the state’s reputation as a destination that proudly celebrates and shares its cultural heritage with the world.
