Kozhikode: The opening day of Malabar River Festival 2026 brought thrilling white-water kayaking action to Chalippuzha.The Malabar River Festival results saw Italy’s Giovanni Giorgi win the men’s category, while Karnataka’s S. Muskan topped the women’s event.International and Indian paddlers competed in the Intermediate Extreme Slalom events on the challenging Chalippuzha rapids.The competition highlighted Kerala’s growing reputation as a leading destination for white-water kayaking and adventure tourism.
C.K. Kasim MLA officially flagged off the competitions. Kodenchery Grama Panchayat President Annakkutty Devassia presided over the function. Block Panchayat President Ambika Mangalath, local body representatives, officials from the Canoe and Kayak Association, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) representatives and festival organisers attended the opening ceremony.
Visitors planning to experience the championship can also explore our complete Malabar River Festival 2026 travel guide for event details, travel information and accommodation options.
Malabar River Festival Results: Day One Winners
The men’s Intermediate Extreme Slalom category witnessed a strong battle between international and Indian athletes. Giovanni Giorgi from Italy secured first place with an impressive performance on the rapids.
Indian paddlers Nachiketh Gupta and Naveen Yadav finished second and third respectively, showcasing the growing talent of Indian kayakers on a competitive international platform.
In the women’s category, S. Muskan from Karnataka finished at the top of the leaderboard. Thirteen-year-old Donna Marsela from Ernakulam delivered a remarkable performance to secure second place, while Karnataka’s Spoorthi Lokesh took the third position.
The performances highlighted the rising popularity of white-water kayaking among young Indian athletes and the growing opportunities created through events like the Malabar River Festival.
Festival Combines Sport, Culture and Adventure
Beyond the river action, the festival atmosphere continued at Pulikkayam with a musical performance by the Rock Star Kaushik Team. The combination of international sporting competition and cultural programmes has helped the Malabar River Festival grow into a major adventure tourism celebration.
Travellers visiting the festival region can also explore our complete guide to Thusharagiri Waterfalls, one of Kozhikode’s most scenic destinations located near the competition venues.
National Ranking Tournament Takes Centre Stage
The excitement continues on Saturday, August 1, as the Chalippuzha River hosts the Indian National Ranking Tournament along with other competition categories. The event provides Indian athletes with an important opportunity to earn recognition and move closer to national team selection.
A cultural gathering will also take place in the evening, with Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer scheduled to inaugurate the programme. C.K. Kasim MLA will preside over the function, which will also feature the participation of District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty, mountaineer Sheikh Hasan Khan, and other personalities from political, cultural and sports fields.
With exciting opening-day performances and more competitions ahead, the Malabar River Festival 2026 continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading white-water kayaking championships.
