Shoot the Rain 19, Kerala’s premier monsoon soccer festival for the travel and hospitality industry, will take place in Ernakulam, Kerala, in August 2026. As the excitement of the recently concluded FIFA World Cup continues to inspire football lovers around the globe, the passion for the beautiful game lives on in Kerala. Rekindling those unforgettable moments of sporting brilliance, the Tourism Professionals Club proudly presents the 19th edition of Shoot the Rain – its prestigious annual Monsoon Soccer Tournament that has become a landmark celebration of sports, tourism, and camaraderie.
Scheduled for 14th and 15th August 2026 at the iconic Maharaja’s College Stadium, Ernakulam, Shoot the Rain 19 is organized by the Tourism Professionals Club (TPC) with the gracious support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
More than just a football tournament, Shoot the Rain has evolved into one of Kerala’s most anticipated tourism industry events. Bringing together leading hotels, resorts, travel companies, tourism organizations and hospitality professionals from across the state, the event celebrates teamwork, healthy competition, networking and the enduring spirit of Kerala’s tourism fraternity. The tournament will kick off at 6:45 a.m. on Friday, 14th August 2026, promising two action-packed days filled with thrilling football, entertainment, and festive celebrations.
The tournament will be inaugurated in the presence of distinguished dignitaries from the Government, Tourism and Hospitality sectors. Mr. P. C. Vishnu Nath, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala, has confirmed his participation and will formally inaugurate the event. Several eminent personalities from the travel and hospitality industry are also expected to grace the occasion. Mr. V. E. Abdul Gafoor, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries and Social Justice, Government of Kerala, will be the Chief Guest during the valedictory function on 15th August 2026. Various eminent personalities from the travel trade would also grace the occasion. Other dignitaries expected to visit the event include Mr. Hibi Edan MLA, Mr. T J Vinod MLA, Mr. Muhammed Shiyas MLA, Tourism Secretary Mr. K. Biju IAS, and Director of Tourism Ms. M. Anjana IAS.
Shoot the Rain has grown into a vibrant monsoon carnival offering something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy electrifying football matches played amidst Kerala’s enchanting monsoon atmosphere, showcases by leading hotels, resorts and emerging hospitality brands, a specially curated food court serving an array of Kerala’s authentic culinary delights, and a lively, family-friendly festival ambience that brings together tourism professionals, football enthusiasts and the public.
One of the major highlights of this year’s edition will be an exciting Women’s Exhibition Match, featuring the women’s teams of Casino Hotels and the Tourism Professionals Club. This initiative reflects the tournament’s growing commitment to promoting women’s participation in sports while celebrating talent, inclusivity and sporting excellence.
Adding a spectacular new dimension to the tournament, the Quarter Finals of Shoot the Rain 19 will be played under floodlights for the first time in the event’s history, creating an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.
The tournament offers prestigious trophies and attractive cash prizes. The Champions will receive the Dominic Joseph Memorial Ever-Rolling Trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, while the Runners-up will be presented with the Dr. Polly Mathew Ever-Rolling Trophy and a cash prize of ₹50,000.
A total of 32 leading hospitality teams from across Kerala will battle for supremacy in the exciting Sevens Football format, with each match played over 30 minutes, ensuring fast-paced, competitive and entertaining football throughout the tournament. Among the prominent teams participating are Casino Hotels, Scenic Munnar IHCL Selections, Marari Beach Resort, Raviz Hotels and Resorts, Malabar Tourism Council, Somatheeram By Dr. Polly Mathew, Kumarakam Lake Resort, Blanket Hotel and Resorts, Gokulam Park Hotel and Convention Centre, Club Travelete, Fog and Vibe Munnar, Le Meridien Kochi, Holiday Inn, Leela Raviz, Brunton Boatyard, Gokulam Grande Kozhikode, Shilton Hotels, Crown Plaza Kochi, TPC Monsoon, TDPC Thekkady, Fragrant Nature, Ramada Kochi, Marriott Kochi, Courtyard by Marriott, The Fern Series by Marriott, Abad Hotels and Resorts, Gokulam Grande Kumarakam, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark, Kerala Houseboat Owners Federation, and Grand Hyatt Kochi.
Adding further excitement to the festival, exhibition matches will feature teams representing the Kerala Travel Society Management Committee, Tourism Professionals Club Management Committee, TPC Women’s Team, Kerala Travel & Tourism Consortium, My Kerala Tourism Association, Travancore Tourism Professionals, and CGH Women’s Team.
The vision and success of Shoot the Rain continue to be led by Mr. Sheik Ismail, President of the Tourism Professionals Club. “Every edition of Shoot the Rain reflects the unity, passion and sporting spirit of Kerala’s travel and hospitality fraternity. The overwhelming enthusiasm we receive each year motivates us to make every tournament even bigger and better,” he said.
The tournament is convened by Mr. Vineesh Vidya, General Convenor and a well-known personality in Kerala’s tourism sector. Mr. Paul M. S., Chairman of the Technical Committee, oversees the sporting excellence and professional conduct of the tournament, while Mr. Johnson Manish, Secretary of the Tourism Professionals Club, expressed his sincere gratitude to all participating teams, sponsors, partners and supporters whose continued encouragement has made Shoot the Rain one of Kerala’s most successful tourism sporting events.
As football meets friendship and tourism embraces the spirit of the monsoon, Shoot the Rain 19 promises another unforgettable chapter in Kerala’s sporting and tourism calendar.
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