In high spirits: Participants of the international river festival in a celebratory mood after they were accorded a reception in the city on Monday. more-in KOZHIKODE: Expert kayakers from across the world will once again battle it out for top spots at the International White Water Kayaking Championship scheduled to be held in three rivers in Kozhikode district from July 20 to 23. The fifth edition of the championship is being organised as part of the Malabar River Festival 2017 by the Department of Tourism, District Tourism Promotion Council, and the Kozhikode District Panchayat, while technical support is being provided by the Kerala Kayak Akademi and Madras Fun Tools. Around 150 participants are expected to take part in the championship, which will have competitions for beginners and intermediate kayakers. There will be a special category of prizes for the best peddlers of the Indian subcontinent. The competitions will be held in Chalippuzha in Kodencheri grama panchayat, Iruvazhinji river in Thiruvamabadi grama panchayat, and Kuttiady river in Chakkittapara grama panchayat. The festival will formally commence at Chakkittapara on July 20, though the official inauguration will be held at Pulikkayam on July 21. Former Indian volleyball team captain Tom Joseph will be the chief guest at the inaugural function, while George M. Thomas, MLA, will preside. Around 50 kayakers, including foreign and native participants who have been undergoing training at the Kerala Kayak Akademi, attended the proclamation rally held in the city on Monday. The participants were garlanded and taken around the Mananchira square. More kayakers are expected to arrive by Wednesday. District Collector and Chairman of the District Tourism Promotion Council U.V. Jose and District Panchayat President Babu Parasseri received the participants.

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