Wed Jan 08 17:37:14 UTC 2025: ## Kerala’s Malabar River Festival Faces Criticism Over Unpaid Prize Money

**Kozhikode, Kerala –** The 10th Malabar River Festival (MRF), held in July 2024, is facing criticism for its failure to pay prize money to international winners. Manu Wink Wackernagel (Rapid King) from New Zealand and Marisa Kaup (Rapid Queen) from Germany are unable to cash their ₹1.2 lakh cheque, five months after the event concluded.

This delay in payment is not a new issue, according to Manik Taneja, the festival’s technical director. While past delays have been resolved within a month, last year and this year saw significant delays, causing concern for the festival’s reputation and future participation from international athletes. The Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), the event organizer, has yet to release the funds.

Organizers previously cited difficulties transferring prize money internationally and changes in Reserve Bank of India regulations as reasons for the delay. However, event coordinators like Paulson Joseph question this explanation, pointing out that international cricketers and kayakers in other parts of India receive prompt payment.

Mr. Taneja expressed worry that the continued delays could deter future participation from international kayakers. Attempts to reach Binu Kuriakose, the CEO of KATPS, for comment were unsuccessful. The incident highlights a recurring issue plaguing the popular Kerala tourism event.

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