Alappuzha all set to host Nehru Trophy Boat Race from today

ALAPPUZHA: The wait is over. The 67th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and maiden Champions Boat League (CBL) will be held on Punnmada Lake Saturday. Alappuzha district collector Adeela Abdulla said that they have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event.


A holiday has been declared for the institutions within Alappuzha municipality, the collector said.

Alappuzha district police chief K M Tomy said that over 2,000 policemen have been deployed for ensuring security for the event. The venue of the event and Alappuzha town will be under CCTV surveillance, said the police chief.

Total of 79 boats, including 23 snakeboats will participate in this year’s Nehru Trophy. Of the total snakeboats, 20, including nine CBL teams will compete in the main race and the remaining three snakeboats will participate in the exhibition race, Volunteers wearing green, yellow, red, blue and black colored jerseys have been deployed for the event to take care children and women, senior citizens, differently abled among others.

The race was originally scheduled for August 10. However, the state government postponed the event in the wake of the flood situation and natural calamities in different parts of the State. Last year, the race was put off due to floods. The event was later held in November. The league, with prize monies totalling Rs 5.9 crore, will see nine teams rowing for top honours.

There will be 12 races in the CBL that will begin on August 31 and conclude on November 23. The first three winners of each CBL match will get Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively. All participants are entitled to a bonus prize of Rs 4 lakh per match.