Backwaters of Kuttanad, Kerala echo with oars as snake boat racing season kicks off. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) set for August 22,launching Champions Boat League (CBL). Kerala's government raised prize for winners to ₹25 lakh,sparking fierce competition.
Nine top boat clubs are training hard across Kuttanad. Punnamada Boat Club,a racing legend, started late July with over 100 members,including 83 oarsmen and five helmsmen,or amarakkars. Their camp at Kottamkulangara sees intense morning and evening drills on Punnamada Lake .
Though the season began with Moolam Boat Race at Champakulam June 29, focus now shifts to NTBR. Clubs meticulously plan for months to build winning teams. Each needs about 100 oarsmen, and costs for NTBR prep can hit ₹1.25 to ₹1.5 crore, funded by sponsors,donations, and supporters .
Punnamada Boat Club's finance sec.,Kevin Rozario, said their budget is ₹1.46 crore,covering oarsmen wages, coach pay, camp rent, and food. Notably,Anu Albert Pulikkattil will captain Nadubhagam Chundan—the first woman to do so.
Training isn't just on Punnamada Lake. Mutherimada River in Kumarakom buzzes with activity. Two of Kottayam’s three NTBR teams train there. Kumarakom Town Boat Club competes with Punyalan Niranam; Emmanuel Boat Club with Arpookkara Chundan . Nattakom Boat Club will field Cheruthana Chundan.
Arun K. Saseendran,vice-president of Kumarakom Town Boat Club,detailed their ₹1.3 crore NTBR budget,with 15 days of intense training done. ₹70 lakh goes to oarsmen wages,with a quarter of rowers from outside the state. Another ₹40 lakh goes to camp, plus boat conditioning costs .
As race day nears, teams will start practicing on NTBR track at Punnamada Lake in early August,post houseboat relocations . Excitement builds as clubs refine techniques,ensuring crew coordination.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race isn't just about competition; it's a cultural spectacle drawing crowds from all over . It celebrates Kerala’s heritage and oarsmen's skills,making it a sporting calendar highlight. Anticipation mounts as clubs prepare for exhilarating showdown.
