70 from Kannur to row at Nehru Trophy Boat Race

ALPPUZHA: Some 70 Kannurites will participate in the 65th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) for the first time next month. On boats built out of plantain trunks, the oarsmen from Magallasseri, Kuppam, Pazhayangadi and Kavvayi are currently working hard under the rowers from Kuttanad to make their mark on the waves of Punnamada.

Mixed up with 30 oarsmen from Chennakar, they will row on two-time title winner Vellamkulangara Chundan under the banner of Friends Boat Club, Chennamkary. The debutantes are expected to add a thrill. "They were selected by a team from here a week ago, to join 30 rowers from Chennamkary,” said Joseph Elamkulam, president of the club.

"Our team got the support of many football clubs there. As the men follow two different styles, they need rigorous practice. The integrated camp will begin later this month. The team is sponsored by a US-based Malayali." Last year some 100 rowers from Kasaragod were on Nadubhagom Chundan finishing third.

According to Mr Elamkulam, boat races are getting popular in the northern districts. There are many small annual boat races in various part of Kannur, the second district from Malabar to participate after Kasargod made its debut in 2012.

Fifty rowers were then trained on River Tejaswini under the Vayalkara Boat Club set up in 1987 rowing a Veppu Chundan. “This time they could emerge as dark horses as they got well equipped and competent Vellamkulangara Chundan, the old Napoleon Chundan," he said. "The history-maker was reconstructed afresh with a length of 159 feet. It can accommodate 103 oarsmen including five amaram (leading rowers) and ten singers.”