Paddlers from Kerala have been hoarding medals in canoeing and kayaking at the National Games and Asian games for ages. Many have represented India on several international platforms. But none for white water kayaking.
“This form of kayaking is a novelty for Kerala. So far, we have been paddling on still waters and practising in the Punnamada lake in Alappuzha. We recently started noticing white water kayaking, thanks to the Malabar River Festival,” Beena S., secretary of the Kerala Kayaking and Canoeing Association (KKCA), told The Hindu.
Ironically, the Kerala Sports Council has not recognised white water kayaking as an event, even though it is part of the National Games, Asian games, and Olympics. The organisers of the Malabar River Festival have brought the issue to the notice of the Sports Minister who promised favourable action.
