Shillong, Oct 11: Megha Kayak Festival will start on Thursday at the Whitewater Village in Umtham in Ri Bhoi.
An official statement said on Wednesday that this marks the sixth edition of the festival, bringing together the thrill of kayaking and the breathtaking beauty of Meghalaya’s Umtrew river. The Megha Kayak Festival promises to test kayakers’ skills and courage as they navigate the stunning river with its twists and turns, creating unforgettable moments, said the statement.
Organised by the Ri Bhoi Water Sports & Tourism Corporation Society Limited and sponsored by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, this year’s festival has also partnered with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) to make it even more remarkable.
The festival offers an exciting array of events under the two formats- Down River Sprint and the Canoe Slalom Cross, across different categories catering to men and women of diverse age groups and expertise. The date to register for the athletes competing in the intermediate category was on October 11, and the general registration desk at White Water Village will be open from 1 pm on October 12.
The Megha Kayak Festival aspires to be the largest festival of its kind in the Indian subcontinent, including a significant representation from India and Nepal. Over the years, this event has promoted adventure tourism and position Meghalaya as a leading water sports destination on the global stage.
An exceptional feature of the Megha Kayak Festival is its commitment to encouraging female participation in adventure sports. Given Meghalaya’s rich feminine cultural heritage, it is well-positioned to lead the way. The prize money under every category has been kept same for both men and women.
According to the statement, this year’s Megha Kayak Festival promises to be an unforgettable adventure, combining the thrill of water sports with the natural splendour of Meghalaya.
