Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate south India’s sole white-water international kayaking championship at Pulikkayam, near Thusharagiri, at 9.30 a.m. on Friday.
Kayakers from over 10 countries including the U.S., U.K., Korea, and China would take part, the organisers said at a press meet here on Wednesday.
The competition events of the three-day championship would comprise a beginners’ race (individual), kayak sprint (individual), boater cross (group kayaking race, four kayakers at a time, freestyle competition and mass boater cross, marathon event with 60 participants), said V.D. Joseph, an organiser.
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The event would be at the upper reaches of Chalippuzha and Iruvanjhipuzha, tributaries of the Chaliyar.
An elephant safari and the staging of different traditional art forms would attract foreign tourists. The event was expected to place the district on the tourism map of the State. Italian kayaker Jacopo Nordera, of Madras Fun Tools, which was providing technical support, said the championship had gained popularity among kayakers. “The white-water community is surprised at the growth of the event in such a short span,” Mr. Nordera said.
A similar event, part of the river festival, was progressing well at Pulikkayam along Chalippuzha, sources said.
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“Around 100 people, including students from different States have already enjoyed the rafting trip organised by the Tourism Department and the Kayaking Academy,” he said. The tickets for rafting trips may be booked at the DTPC offices in Kozhikode and Wayanad. “Tickets may also be bought by contacting Mr. Nordera on 91-9884814610,” he added.