Payippadan chundan lifts 54th Nehru trophy

Alappuzha, Aug 12 (UNI) Enduring heavy rain and rough waves, defending champion Payippadan Chudan rowed to win the prestigious Nehru trophy pushing opponents far behind in the 54th annual snake boat race held here at Punammada lake today.

The Payippadan Chundan (snake boat), captained by Raju Vadakkedath, had clear advantage right from the beginning and reached the finishing point with an unusual speed to win the trophy as well the first cash prize of Rs 3.75 lakh.

It was the thrid consecutive win for the Kumarakam Boat Club in Nehru Boat Race.

Sree Ganesh Chundan, rowed by Kollam Kallada Jesus Boat Club won the second spot, while Champakulam Chundan, captained by Kalavoor N Gopinath and rowed by Alappuzha Town Boat club had to satisfy with the third spot.

First in the history of boat race, ten foreign ladies who participated in the category of 'Thekkanodi' and rowed 'Chellikkadan,' won the title in that category and gave the Nehru Boat Race an international dimension.

Earlier inaugurating the championship, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan emphasised the need for promoting the championship to the international level.

Kerala Ministers G Sudhakaran, M Vijayakumar, Thomas Issac, K P Rajendran and Mathew T Thomas were also present to watch the boat race.

Home and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan presented the trophies to the winners.

UNI XR CGV PDS RS2045