Shillong, May 27: The Ri Bhoi Watersports and Tourism Cooperative Society Ltd will organise the Megha Kayak Festival 2022, which will be held on Umtrew River near Umtham village, Ri Bhoi district from October 13-16, 2022.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Manik Taneja from Goodwave adventures, Bangalore, said that the festival aims to be the largest festival in the Indian Sub-continent with over 80 white-water kayakers from all around the world competing, including a large contingent from India and Nepal.
He added that the total prize money for the Megha Kayak Festival is Rs 15 lakh along with some amazing gear prizes from various sponsors.
The festival will feature Olympic approved disciplines such as the giant slalom, extreme boater-cross and time-trials races as well as separate categories for intermediate and novice kayakers.
Stating that rivers in the state are ideal for white-water kayaking and exploration for sport and recreation, Taneja said, “The aim of this festival is to promote adventure tourism and help establish Meghalaya as one of the major water sports destinations in the world.”
Another facet of the festival is to encourage female participation in adventure sports. He said that participants will be over 80-120 athletes.
Taneja informed that the first edition of the festival was held in 2016.
