New Zealand Kayakers Shine at Malabar River Festival Finale

Quick Summary

• Event Details: The 11th edition of the Malabar River Festival concluded on July 27, 2025, at Elanthukkadavu near Pulloorampara in Kozhikode. It is regarded as one of the world’s top five kayaking festivals.
• Winners: Ryan O’Conner and Rata Lowell-Smith from New Zealand won the titles of ‘Rapid Raja’ and ‘rapid Rani’ respectively in the Downriver Race.
• Top Finishers (Men): Kilian Ivelic (Chile) and Arjun Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) finished second and third. Indian participants included Amar Singh Ankit and Kuldeep Singh.
• Top Finishers (Women): Millie Chamberlain and Dayla Ward from New Zealand secured second and third positions.
• Prize Money: ₹1.2 lakh for first place, ₹60,000 for second place, ₹30,000 for third place in both men’s and women’s categories.
• Local Kayakers Recognized: Kerala kayakers Akshay Ashok, Adam Mathew Sibi, Nikhil Das among others received special prizes worth ₹10,000 each; under-18 winners Anak Mathew Sibi & Karishma Diwan were awarded separately.
• Festival Institution: Conducted by Kerela Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), Kozhikode District Tourism Council along dept .***