The 70th Nehru Trophy Boat Race is poised to make history with the anticipated addition of a dragon boat category. The proposal, driven by the Niranam snake boat samiti and led by Changanassery native Manalel Ummen Varghese, is under review by the Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society. Varghese, a former Indian Air Force officer and owner of ‘Kargil Kitchen’, has brought two dragon boats from China to Kerala for this year’s event.
If approved, the dragon boats, which feature a design reminiscent of the Chinese dragon, will join the traditional fleet of snake boats, iruttukuthi, and veppuvallam on Punnamada Lake. Varghese’s initiative aims to inspire and train local youth in Kuttanad through his Niranam Sports Academy, where 15 young rowers are currently preparing for the national games next year.
Dragon boats are long, narrow vessels adorned with dragon motifs and used in races during the Dragon Boat Festival in China. Each boat accommodates up to ten oarsmen, a steersman, and a drummer who maintains rhythm for the rowers. The boats use carbon fiber oars and have become a competitive event in international sports, including the Asian Games.
In related news, online ticket sales for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race have commenced. Minister P Prasad launched the ticketing system, which is managed in collaboration with South Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda. Tickets can be purchased via the Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society’s website. The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including District Collector Alex Varghese and representatives from the partnering banks.
