Veeyapuram Chundan storms to victory at 71st Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Alappuzha: In a breathtaking display of power and precision, Veeyapuram Chundan, rowed by the spirited oarsmen of the Village Boat Club, stormed to victory at the 71st Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) on the scenic Punnamada Lake on Saturday.

Clocking an electrifying 4 minutes 21.084 seconds, the majestic snake boat sliced through the waters to outpace its fierce rivals, igniting thunderous cheers from thousands of spectators who thronged the banks of the lake.

The race unfolded with nail-biting intensity as Nadubhagam Chundan (Punnamada Boat Club), Melpadam Chundan (Pallathuruthy Boat Club), and Niranom Chundan (Niranam Boat Club) pushed hard in pursuit, finishing close behind. However, the official confirmation of the second, third, and fourth positions now rests with the jury of appeal.

From early morning, crowds, including international tourists, gathered in huge numbers, turning Alappuzha into a carnival of rhythm, energy, and tradition. With over 70 boats taking to the waters, the regatta once again reaffirmed its place as India’s premier water sport spectacle.

Instituted in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic visit to the backwaters, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race continues to capture the pulse of Kerala, combining fierce competition with unmatched cultural fervor.