Shillong, October 11 : The much-anticipated Megha Kayak Fest 2025 is returning once again from October 14-18, 2025, to the picturesque Shillong Whitewater Village, Umtham, Meghalaya. Marking its seventh edition, this year’s festival will reach a historic milestone as it hosts the inaugural Asian Extreme Kayak Championship, where some of the best paddlers from Asia and beyond will come to Umtrew River for the thrilling competition.
The event is being organized by Ri Bhoi Water Sports & Tourism Corporation Society Limited with support from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, along with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) to deliver a world-class event that combines sport, adventure, and the natural beauty of Meghalaya’s waterways. The registration for participants will begin officially at the Shillong Whitewater Village on October 14, 2025, and will be opened to kayakers of all levels to take part in the most dynamic whitewater event of India.
The festival will showcase key events; the Down River Sprint and the Canoe Slalom Cross for men and women of all ages and skills. This year’s addition of the Asian Extreme Kayak Championship marks a new chapter for the festival, introducing the Extreme Sprint and Enduro formats that will push athletes to their limits on the challenging Umtrew rapids.In keeping with the festival’s dedication to gender equality and inclusiveness in adventure sports, the prize money will remain the same for all categories for both Indian and International participants. A cash prize of Rs 30,000 for both 1st prize winners in both male and female category of the Down River Sprint, Kayak Cross race and Kayak Cross, and a cash prize of Rs 75,000 for the overall winner. A cash prize of Rs 30,000 for the Extreme Kayak Sprint and Enduro for both 1st prize winners in the male and female category.
The Megha Kayak Fest has since its inception evolved intoone of Asia’s top whitewater festivals, drawing professionals as well as amateur paddlers into the spotlight from all over the world. Over 80 kayakers from nations like India, Nepal, and the UK have participated in previous editions, making it the biggest extreme kayaking competition in the Indian subcontinent. Over the years, it has not only tested the limits of endurance and ability but also brought attention to Meghalaya’s growing reputation as a major hub for adventure travel worldwide.
With its unique blend of sport, community, and conservation, the Megha Kayak Fest remains a premier event that celebrates the natural world and human perseverance. The 2025 Asian Extreme Kayak Championship further solidifies Meghalaya’s position as a leader in developing eco-friendly adventure travel and extreme water sports in India. When they gather at Shillong Whitewater Village this October, competitors and spectators can look forward to five days of exhilarating competition, intercultural exchange, and transformative experiences.
