Kerala’s travel and hospitality fraternity turned out in force as the 19th edition of “Shoot The Rain,” the annual monsoon football tournament organised by the Tourism Professionals Club (TPC), concluded at Maharaja’s College Ground on August 15, 2026, with a clean sweep for the Gokulam group of hotels.
Gokulam Grand Calicut claimed the champions’ title after a commanding run through the tournament, edging out sister property Gokulam Grand Kumarakom, who finished runners-up. Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre Kochi rounded out the podium in third place, completing a dominant showing for the group across all three top spots.
The tournament was inaugurated by Mr. P.C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism and Culture, alongside Mr. Jose Pradeep, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society; Mr. Shaikh Ismail, President, Mr. Johnson Manish, Secretary of the Tourism Professionals Club and Mr. Vinesh Vaidya, Chief Coordinator of the STR 2026. Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Vishnunadh said the monsoon in Kerala is more than a season – it is an experience – and that events like “Shoot the Rain” bring together the beauty of the rains and football with the state’s spirit of hospitality, while showcasing Kerala’s tourism, hospitality and camaraderie on a shared platform. The Leela Raviz football team, among the participating sides, met and photographed with the Minister during the inauguration at Maharaja’s College Ground.
Mr. Sheikh Ismail noted that “Shoot the Rain” has grown into a distinctive monsoon tourism initiative that, over the years, has brought together employees and professionals from hotels, resorts, houseboats, travel and tour agencies, and event management companies across Kerala.
At the closing ceremony, Mr. Abdul Gafoor, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Kerala, and Mr. Hibi Eden, MP, were the chief guests. Minister Gafoor presented the Dominic Joseph Memorial Trophy to champions Gokulam Grand Calicut, while the runners-up trophy, instituted in memory of Dr. Polly Mathew Somatheeram, was received by Gokulam Grand Kumarakom.
Former Kerala Tourism Director and District Collector of Thrissur Ms. Sikha Surendran IAS was the guest of honour during the concluding ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by several senior figures from the industry, including Mr. Baby Mathew, Chairman and Managing Director of Somatheeram Ayurveda Group; Mr. Michael Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth Hotels; Mr. Sijoe Jose, National EC Member of IATO; Mr. S. Swaminathan, Secretary, KTM Society; Mr. Ravisankar K.V., Managing Editor, Tourism India; Mr. Rasheed Kakkat, President, Association of Arab Tour Operators; Mr. Sajeer Padickal, President, Malabar Tourism Council; and Mr. Mobin, President, Travancore Tourism Professionals.
Individual Excellence Awards
Best Player: Shahid, Gokulam Grand Calicut
Top Scorer: Shahid, Gokulam Grand Calicut, with a brilliant brace of clinical finishes
Best Goalkeeper: Aadil, Malabar Tourism Council, recognised for sharp reflexes and clean sheets under tough monsoon conditions
Friendly and Exhibition Matches
Adding to the festivities, several exhibition fixtures brought extra energy and friendly rivalry to the tournament:
TPC MC vs. KTM MC – a tightly contested clash between the Tourism Professionals Club and Kerala Travel Mart management committees ended level, 1-1.
KTTC vs. TTP – the Kerala Travel and Tourism Consortium delivered a dominant attacking display, defeating Travancore Tourism Professionals 7-0.
TPC Women vs. CGH Women – TPC Women edged out CGH Women 1-0 in a tightly fought, defensively disciplined encounter.
The tournament closed on a high note, once again underscoring the strong bonds, sporting spirit, and resilience of Kerala’s travel trade community.
