Kayaking Shines at 11th Malabar River Festival

Fast Summary

• Event: The 11th edition of the Malabar River Festival began at Pulikkayam, Kodenchery in Kozhikode on July 25, 2025.
• Highlights:

– Garv Kokatery and Karishma Diwan,both 15-year-olds from Madhya Pradesh,won first place in the extreme Slalom competition for men’s and women’s categories.
– Akshay Asok (Kerala) and Ayyappan Shyam (Karnataka) secured second and third places in the men’s category; results have been withheld due to disputes.
– Oxana Cherevchenko from Ukraine won silver in the women’s category after just five days of training; Aayushi from Madhya Pradesh placed third.

• Safety Measures: Rescue teams led by Bishnu Guru (Nepal), scuba divers, ambulances, barricades along riverbanks ensured participants’ safety amid high water levels.
• Cultural endeavors: Thiruvambady MLA Linto Joseph inaugurated the event. Cultural programs occured during opening day celebrations.
• Upcoming events:

– Professional Extreme Slalom competitions with international participants on Saturday.
– Downriver Race/Super Finals at iruvazhinji river scheduled for Sunday (July 27).

• Organizers: Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society and Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council with technical aid from Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Malabar River Festival demonstrates India’s strength as a destination for adventure tourism while also acting as a platform to showcase emerging talent. The victories of young kayakers like Garv Kokatery and Karishma Diwan spotlight India’s budding sporting talent in niche fields like kayaking. The proactive presence of international participants further reinforces India’s growing reputation as a competitive venue on global adventure circuits.

Significant investment into safety measures-such as deploying professional rescue teams-marks this festival as an example of responsible event management in high-risk sports environments. Tho, unresolved disputes regarding competition results highlight potential organizational challenges that merit attention to build credibility among local and international audiences.

Events like these can boost tourism locally while inspiring greater participation in lesser-known sports across India. With thorough execution by entities such as Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society teaming up with specialist associations like Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association,this festival could emerge stronger year-on-year.

Read more at: Source. Images included above mirror moments straight from this impactful gathering!