Alappuzha: In an exhilarating finale where every microsecond counted, Karichal Chundan of Pallathuruthy Boat Club (PBC) narrowly edged out Veeyapuram Chundan to win the 70th Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Karichal Chundan clocked an impressive 4.29785, just a fraction ahead of Veeyapuram Chundan’s 4.29790, marking PBC’s fifth consecutive win and Karichal’s record-breaking 16th title. Nadubhagam Chundan of Kumarakom Town Boat Club finished third, while Niranam Chundan from Niranam Boat Club came fourth. All boats in the final completed the race within a second of each other.
Karichal Chundan advanced to the finals with a best heat time of 4.14.35, continuing its legacy with previous victories in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2008, 2011, and 2016. Under the leadership of Vinod M.P. and Hiran Kumar, PBC has now won the Nehru Trophy six times. With Karichal Chundan, steered by Alan and Aiden Moonnuthaikkal, they also hold the distinction of winning all three seasons of the Champions Boat League (CBL).
A total of 19 boats competed in five heats before the grand final, with the lake reverberating with the sounds of rhythmic paddling and cheers from the crowd.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race originated in 1952, during a visit by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Fascinated by the grandeur of Kerala’s snake boats, Nehru famously jumped aboard one of them, foregoing his security detail. In honor of that experience, he later donated a silver trophy shaped like a snake boat, which has since become the race’s iconic prize.
