Megha Kayak Fest 2025 to Kick Off in Shillong with Asian Extreme Kayak Championship

The seventh edition of the Megha Kayak Fest is set to enthral adventure enthusiasts from October 14 to 18 at the Shillong Whitewater Village in Umtham, Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya

This year’s festival will mark a historic milestone with the launch of the first-ever Asian ‘Extreme Kayak Championship’, drawing top kayakers from across Asia and beyond to compete on the challenging rapids of the Umtrew River.

Organised by the Ri Bhoi Water Sports & Tourism Corporation Society Ltd, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Department of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA), the event promises a thrilling blend of competitive sports, adventure, and the stunning natural beauty of Meghalaya’s waterways.

According to an official statement from the Tourism Department on Saturday, participant registrations will commence at the Shillong Whitewater Village on October 14. The festival welcomes kayakers of all skill levels, ensuring an inclusive platform for both novice and seasoned paddlers to showcase their prowess in this exhilarating whitewater event.

The Megha Kayak Fest will feature key competitions such as the ‘Down River Sprint’ and ‘Canoe Slalom Cross’, open to both men and women across various age groups and expertise levels. The introduction of the Asian ‘Extreme Kayak Championship’ adds new dimensions to the festival with events like the ‘Extreme Sprint’ and ‘Enduro’, challenging athletes to navigate the formidable currents of the Umtrew River.

Upholding its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in adventure sports, the festival offers equal prize money for all categories, applicable to both Indian and international participants. Winners in the male and female categories of the Down River Sprint, Kayak Cross Race, and Kayak Cross events will each receive Rs 30,000, while the overall champion will be awarded Rs 75,000. Additionally, first-place winners in the Extreme Kayak Sprint and Enduro categories will each secure Rs 30,000 in both male and female divisions.

The Megha Kayak Fest 2025 is poised to elevate Meghalaya’s reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism, offering a world-class experience that celebrates athleticism, camaraderie, and the state’s breathtaking natural landscapes.