ALAPPUZHA: In a scintillating fight, the Karichal Chundan rowed by the Vembanad Boat Club, Kumarakom, lifted the 64th Nehru Trophy, finishing in 4.22 minutes. Gabriel Puthan Chundan rowed by United Boat Club (UBC) Kainakary on its debut in the Nehru Trophy Boat Race finished second, in 4.321 minutes. When Karichal came closer to the finishing line, there was no competition as they had overpowered all three rivals.
It had, in the heats, crossed the distance in 4.15 seconds, though they had failed to record better time in the final. This is Karichal's 15th win of the coveted trophy. The third prize went to Nadubhagom rowed by Village Boat Club Edathua pushing Mahadevikadu Kattilthekkathu paddled by Punnamada Boat Club to fourth place. They finished 4.337 and 4.338 minutes respectively. Winning captain Jameskutty Jacob said they had full confidence in the victory while they were participating in the competition.
“It was a one-month hardworking camp that helped us,” he said. Governor P. Sathasivam flagged off the race at 2.30 pm while works minister G. Sudhakaran presided over the function. Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, tourism minister A. C. Moideen, film star Jayaram, legislator Pratibha Hari and collector R. Girija participated. Meanwhile, there were widespread allegations, as was in the last year, that winning team had used Indian Navy soldiers as rowers. Some have also moved the Kerala High Court them.
The Mahadevikad won in Chundan exhibition category and Kattilthekkethil of Sangeetha Boat Club Avalookunnu, Alappuzha, won in Thekkenodi women category. In Thekkenodi kuttuvallam category ‘Company’ boat of Friends Vanitha Boat Club, Punnamada, emerged victorious and Kodimatha of Samudhra Boat Club, Kumarakom won in churulan category. Moonnuthaikkal of Arppokara Boat Club won in the Iruttukuthy A grade and Thuruthipuram of Thuruthipuram Boat Club Ernakulam in Iruttukuthy B category. Kottaparamban of Brothers Boat Club, Pulimkunnu, won in Veppu A grade and Chiramel Thottukadavan of Victory Arts and Sports Club, Kainakari, in Veppu B grade.
