Pallathuruthy Boat Club’s Melpadom Chundan surges ahead to win the snake boat race during Champions Boat League (CBL) 2026 at Marine Drive in Kochi
Kochi : Melpadom Chundan (Tropical Titans) rowed to victory in the Kochi leg of the sixth season of Champions Boat League (CBL-6) on Saturday, as it completed a hat-trick of victories in the IPL-styled tournament this season. Melpadom Chundan, paddled by Pallathuruthy Boat Club (PCB), overcame a spirited challenge from Veeyapuram (Pride Chasers), crossing the finishing line in 4:08:064 minutes against the latter’s 4:08:166. Nadubhagam Chundan (Ripple Breakers), which clocked 4:08:514 minutes, finished third in the fifth race of the tournament.
Melpadom Chundan had earlier won the third race held in Pandanad and the fourth at Kottappuram. Hundreds of boat race enthusiasts, including foreign tourists, lined up on Marine Drive walkway to watch the spectacular snake boats (nine chundan vallams) sliding over the emerald backwaters. Indian Navy and the fire force showcased thrilling demonstration drills to add to the excitement. The latter’s robotic firefighting, in particular, drew the audience’s attention.
Alongside the main CBL circuit, spectators could witness traditional local boat races featuring smaller craft like Thaniyan, Thuruthipuram and St Sebastian No 1, as well as fast-paced Iruttukuthi boat races featuring teams from across the state. The inaugural race took place in 1989 and was named after late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Kerala Tourism revived the race after adding it to the CBL roster in 2019.
The event ran regularly for three years, but it faded into oblivion due to financial and organisational issues. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. They also organised a variety of rich cultural events, including the Garudan show. Higher education minister Roji M John inaugurated the Water Sports Festival, organised by the tourism department. T J Vinod, MLA, presided over the function. Marine Drive Boat Race, also known as Indira Gandhi Boat Race, was a forgotten snake boat contest in Keralam. The track on the Kochi leg, a part of Vembanad Lake, extends from Goshree Bridge to Marine Drive boat jetty. It is one of the most difficult snake boat races, held on a shallow track with little or no undercurrents. So, victory depends on the paddlers’ strength and stamina. Download the TOI App.
Before the races, Cherthala Sree Vinayaka Chullans presented a vibrant musical fusion performance. Today, it’s a gala event with day-long cultural activities that attracts foreign as well as domestic tourists.