Team Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort by Dr. Polly Mathew has once again emerged victorious, successfully defending their title at the 18th annual Shoot The Rain (STR) Monsoon Football Tournament. In a captivating final held at the Maharaja’s College Ground in Ernakulam on July 26. 2025, Somatheeram defeated the host team, TPC Monsoon Xpedia, by a single goal, solidifying their reign as monsoon football champions.
The final match is a repetition for the last time, but this year champion emerges in stipulated time, with the match-winning goal was scored by Shijoy of Somatheeram, who was not only the top scorer of the tournament but also earned the prestigious title of Best Player of the tournament.
“What an incredible celebration of sports, tourism, and unity!” exclaimed Mr. Saik Ismail, President, Tourism Professional Club. “We proudly completed STR 2025, and it turned out to be bigger, better, and full of monsoon magic! Hearty Congratulations to Champions – Somatheeram Health Resorts by Dr. Polly Mathew. Runners-up – TPC Monsoon Xpedia. And salute to all the teams who played with passion, spirit, and true sportsmanship!”
A Festival of Football and Camaraderie
STR 2025, organized by the Tourism Professional Club (TPC) Kochi, was more than just a football tournament; it was a full-on festival that brought together 29 competitive teams from Kerala’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. The event showcased intense competition and a strong sense of unity among participants.
The Malabar Tourism Council (MTC) Heroes, Kozhikode, made a powerful debut, securing third place after a thrilling 6-5 victory against Gokulam Grand Kumarakom. Adil from Malabar Tourism Council was honored as the Best Goalkeeper of STR 2025, recognized for his exceptional saves, leadership, and match-winning abilities.
The Fair Play Award went to Gokulam Park Kochi, while Gokulam Grand Kumarakom received the award for Best Jersey among the 29 participating teams.
Industry Leaders Praise the Event
The tournament garnered high praise from prominent figures within the tourism industry. Mr. George Dominic, Chairman of CGH Earth Experience Hotels, who instituted the ever-rolling trophy in memory of their founder Dominic Joseph, remarked, “Congratulations, president and members of TPC, for yet another edition of Shoot The Rain, which keeps getting better year after year. More than the joy of playing in the Monsoon rains. It is a celebration of the stake holders of the industry, bringing together all the players of the industry, who toil relentlessly through the year. Hopefully, Shoot the Rain will be a star fixture in Kerala’s sporting event.”
Mr. Sajeev K V, President, Kerala Ayurveda Promotion Society, echoed these sentiments: “Big congratulations and salute to the President and the entire TPC team for pulling off yet another fantastic edition of Shoot The Rain! I have been following this event from the starting stage and It just keeps getting better every year! More than just the fun of playing in the monsoon showers, this event has really become a celebration of everyone in the Tourism industry – bringing together all the hardworking staff who keep things running all year long. Here’s hoping Shoot The Rain becomes a permanent highlight in Kerala’s sports calendar.”
Mr. Harikumar C, Vice President of Kerala Travel Mart Society, hailed STR 2025 as an “Industry Hit.” He stated, “where monsoon showers only add to the energy, Kerala’s tourism industry came together for- the “Shoot the Rain” Football Tournament. More than just a soccer tournament, this tournament stood as a celebration of teamwork, passion, and industry camaraderie. Led by the dynamic Sheik Ismail and the ever-energetic and vibrant team of TPC the tournament was not just flawlessly organized – it was a roaring success.”
A Grand Celebration and Collaborative Success
The grand closing ceremony celebrated not only the spirit of monsoon football and teamwork but also the unity within the tourism sector. Beyond the thrilling matches, the event offered exciting entertainment for all ages, including face painting, a live magician, cheer girls, caricatures, and live food counters, along with a complimentary tea shop by FOG Munnar with the support of VIBE Resort Munnar. A special shout-out was given to the “powerful ladies team” whose energy and enthusiasm “brought extra light and life to STR 2025.”
Mr. Shaik Ismail extended a massive thank you to all who made STR 2025 possible, including the hardworking committees, sponsors (especially Title Sponsor – Somatheeram Ayurveda Group led by Mr. Baby Mathew, and Diamond Sponsors – CGH Earth Hotels, UDS Hotels and Resorts, Abad Hotels, MATT Hotels & Resorts), Executive Events for flawless management, TPCians for their unity, and tourism partners, associations, well-wishers, and the record-breaking crowd whose cheers made it all worthwhile.
Mr. Jibran Asif, Treasurer of Kerala Travel Mart Society, concluded, “Big cheers to the Tourism Professionals Club for pulling off yet another awesome “Shoot the Rain – Soccer Event”! Congratulations to the President Sheikh, Secretary Manish, the Mr. Vinesh Viadya, General Convennor of STR 2025 and all the MC and organising committee for making it a grand event and memorable for all. Great job bringing everyone together for some fun, football, and good vibes. Looking forward to more such energetic and exciting events!”
“STR 2025 was not just an event – it was a movement of unity, joy, and tourism pride!” affirmed the organizers, promising to continue this momentum together. The “Mega Shoot the Rain” truly lived up to its name, marking not just a victory for the TPC team, but a collective triumph for the entire Kerala tourism industry.
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