Nehru Trophy: Battle of wit and strength on Punnamada tomorrow

Alappuzha, Aug 11 (UNI) The 54th Nehru Trophy boat race will be 'oared off' tomorrow in Punnamada lake here which will witness the ingenuity of scores of rowers in a battle of wit and strength.

Adding international flavour to the biggest water carnival in India, 10 women from the UAE, bitten by the adventure bug, will be part of the strong Aleppey Boat Club, ladies champion for the last three years.

This year 60 boats in various categories, based on the size of the boats, will take part in the race and the highlight of the competition is the 'chundan' boats. Each 'chundan' boat will have around 100 men as rowers and singers. This time, 18 chundans, including defending champion 'Payippad Chundan' will vie for honours.

Eight boats in 'Veppu A grade' and four in B grade, seven 'Iruttukuthi' boats in A grade and 12 in B grade will test their strength tomorrow. In the category of 'Churulan' eight boats will hit the waters.

The women will power the smaller 'Odey' boats in separate competition.

The NCC cadets will be rowing a boat in the students' section.

The countdown for the boat race began on Tuesday with a colourful procession featuring nearly 5,000 school children and 2,000 representatives of various institutions and organisations.

The government has declared a prize money of Rs 200,000 for the winner in the 'chundan' category. The second team will get Rs 150,000 while the team placed third will go back home with Rs 100,000. The 'chundans' which enter into the final round will be presented with Rs 75,000 each. Besides, all 'chundan' boats will get Rs 25,000 each as maintenance grant.

The Outlook magazine has declared that it will present Rs 100,000 to the winner in the chundan category and Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000 to those placed second, third and fourth respectively.

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan will inaugurate the prestigious boat race at 1400 hrs.

UNI MA ROY AY PM1743