The Veeyapuram Chundan (snakeboat), rowed by the Village Boat Club (VBC, Pride Chasers), Kainakary, emerged victorious in a thrilling final of the first race of the Champions Boat League season-5 (CBL-5), held on the Pampa river at Kainakary in Kuttanad on Friday.
The Melpadom Chundan, powered by the Pallathuruthy Boat Club (PBC, Tropical Titans), finished a close second, while the Niranom Chundan, rowed by the Niranom Boat Club (NBC, Super Oars), secured third place. The VBC finished the race in 3.33:34 minutes. The PBC in 3.33:62 minutes and the NBC in 3.41:68 minutes.
Nine teams
The race featured a total of nine teams. The three teams qualified for the final based on their best timings in the heats.
The CBL-5 was virtually inaugurated by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas. Mr. Riyas said that by the time it reaches its sixth season, the CBL would capture global attention and that the government had already initiated efforts in that direction. “As part of this, the government has launched a microsite to promote the CBL in foreign countries. The site, which contains comprehensive information about the boat races, aims to bring more foreign tourists to the CBL venues. In the future, even tour bookings would be enabled through this site,” Mr. Riyas said.
