Oarsmen from Kasaragod get set for Nehru Trophy

Alappuzha: Some 100 oarsmen from Kasaragod will row Ayaparambu Valiya Divanji in the 65th Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) next month. 

Teaming up with Village Boat Club, Edathua, they will start a fortnight-long rigorous training session Friday on River Pamba here.

Last year they rowed the newly-built Nadubhagam Chundan finishing third for the club. This time 70 men of neighbouring Kannur are making their debut at NTBR.

The Kannurites will row Vellamkulangara Chundan for Friends Boat Club, Chennamkary.

"The same rowers helped us to pick up the third prize last year. This time we have nothing on our mind than winning the title," says John P. Abraham, a Village Boat Club member.

"They will mix up with Kuttanad rowers. As both have different styles, we decided on an extended joint practice, taking a cue from the experience."

Kasargod debuted here in 2012 with 50 men rowing a Veppu Chundan.

“We were the first boat club which participates in the Nehru Trophy from northern Kerala," said K. C. Gireesh of Sree Vayalkara Boat Club, Kasaragod. 

Winner of a handful of boat races held at northern districts, it started in 1987 with just nine rowers. It has 60 members now.

It was a long cherished dream for them to participate in the internationally acclaimed NTBR. Gireesh feels the craze of commoners as its main attraction. 

"As a prelude to the training session, we would to do a trial at Payippad River on Friday," he said. 

The Vayalkara owns up a Veppu chundan having the capacity to carry maximum 50 people.