Gujarat has a reason to celebrate in the world of adventure sports. Jamnagar-based kayaker Nachiketa Gupta has won the championship title at the Malabar River Festival in Kerala, beating a strong field of paddlers from India and more than 10 other countries.
Gupta, who works as an assistant engineer with the Gujarat government’s irrigation department, competed in the four-day whitewater kayaking festival held from July 30 to August 2 on the Chalipuzha and Iruvazhinjipuzha rivers in Kozhikode district.
His victory is particularly notable because he continues to pursue kayaking alongside his government job and has been involved in the sport since 2016.
Strong International Competition in Kerala
The 12th edition of the Malabar River Festival brought together experienced paddlers for challenging whitewater competitions.
The festival featured kayak cross and downriver time trial events, with competitions held in both open and amateur categories.
The event was organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council and the district panchayat, with technical support from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.
The competition attracted elite participants from more than 10 countries, including India, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and several European nations.
60 Paddlers Took Part
A total of 60 participants competed in the championship. After the initial rounds, 16 paddlers advanced to the quarter-finals.
The competition then became increasingly intense as the field narrowed down. The final was contested by four paddlers, with Gupta eventually finishing on top and claiming the championship title.
The event is considered one of Asia’s leading whitewater kayaking competitions. Its courses are designed to test not only speed but also endurance, technical ability and a paddler’s skill in handling fast-moving water, difficult rapids and rocky sections of the river.
From Gujarat Government Office to Whitewater Rapids
Gupta’s achievement stands out because kayaking is not his full-time profession.
He works as an assistant engineer in Gujarat’s irrigation department while continuing to train and participate in adventure sports.
His journey in kayaking began in 2016, and over the years he has also taken part in several other demanding activities, including skiing, paragliding, skydiving and mountaineering.
Despite his responsibilities as a government officer, Gupta has continued to develop his skills in adventure sports and compete at high-level events.
‘An Honour Beyond Words’
After winning the championship, Gupta said representing India and Gujarat on the international stage and becoming a champion was an honour beyond words.
He also expressed hope that his achievement would encourage more young people from Gujarat to explore whitewater kayaking and other adventure sports.
His victory at the Malabar River Festival has therefore become more than a personal sporting achievement. It has also put the spotlight on Gujarat’s growing connection with adventure sports and shown how professionals can continue pursuing competitive sporting goals alongside their careers.
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