Malabar River Fest: White Water Kayaking Competition to Begin on Friday

KOZHIKODE:
Adding to the charm of the 8thedition of the Malabar River Festival, the three-day International White Water Kayaking competitions will get under way at Thusharagiri on Friday (August 12) with internationally known kayakers hitting river Chaliyar to lift titles and attractive prizes.

The event is being organised by Kodanchery and Thiruvambady Panchayats in Kozhikode district with the support of the state Tourism Department, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, District Panchayat, Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council and Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.

Noting that Kerala has tremendous potential to emerge as a global adventure and ecotourism hub, Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said events like Malabar River Fest will help boost tourist arrivals to the state.

“The state tourism department has major plans to further strengthen this segment, in partnership with the water sports and adventure tourism promoters and local bodies” the Minister added.

More than 40 kayakers have already registered for participating in the competitions.

A high-level panel, led by Tourism Minister, has been formed for the hassle-free conduct of the event. The panel also comprises Linto Joseph MLA and Kozhikode District Collector Dr N Tej Lohit Reddy.

Russian National White Water Kayaking champion Ivan Kosathov, who was crowned the Rapid Raja in the kayaking competition of the Malabar River Fest in 2019, will be competing in the ensuing edition as well, along with other top paddlers from India and abroad.

Leading Indian women paddlers Priyanka Rana and Naina Adhikari, who lifted titles in national competitions like Ganga River Festival, are also competing in the event. Both are sponsored by Jellyfish Watersports, Kozhikode.

Pulikkayam is the starting point and Ilanthukadavu the finishing point for the competition. Side by side, Kayak Slalom, Boater Cross and Down River competitions will also be held in Chalipuzha and Iruvazhinjipuzha.

For more details visit: https://www.keralaadventure.org/malabar-river-festival/