Aroma Chundan, rowed by Aroma Boat Club, Kollam, finishes first in the inaugural race of the Champions Boat League (CBL) season 6, at Karuvatta Leading Channel Water Stadium in Alappuzha on Saturday
Home minister Ramesh Chennithala, who inaugurated the season, said financial assistance for the preservation of chundan boats and boat sheds was under consideration in the next state budget, noting that the previous Oommen Chandy govt had allocated Rs 2.5 crore for similar restoration work. The season’s remaining league races will be held at Kallada, Kollam (Sept 23); Pandanad, Alappuzha (Sept 26); Kottappuram, Thrissur (Oct 4); Marine Drive, Ernakulam (Oct 10); Piravom (Oct 17); Thazhathangadi, Kottayam (Oct 24); Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha (Oct 31); Kainakary (Nov 7); and Kayamkulam (Nov 14). The season will conclude with President’s Trophy Boat Race in Kollam on Nov 21.
He said discussions were under way with tourism minister on budget allocations, and called for a meeting to discuss development activities following Karuvatta’s declaration as a tourism village. Tourism minister P C Vishnunadh, who presided over the function, said govt had decided to take CBL forward with renewed vigour despite rumours of its withdrawal from the league, and that this year’s races were being held under the traditional names of Keralam’s Chundan boats rather than the earlier, unfamiliar naming. Held at Karuvatta Leading Channel Water Stadium, the race saw Aroma Chundan overtake Melpadam Chundan rowed by defending champions Pallathuruthy Boat Club in the final lap to finish first. Niranam Boat Club’s Niranam Chundan finished third. Excise and Cooperation minister M Liju delivered the keynote address.
Kottayam: The sixth season of Champions Boat League (CBL) got under way at Karuvatta on Saturday, with Aroma Chundan, rowed by Aroma Boat Club, winning the first league race in a closely fought contest.
Prize money at each venue is Rs 5 lakh for first place, Rs 3 lakh for second and Rs 1 lakh for third, with an additional Rs 4 lakh bonus for each participating team. The overall championship winner will receive Rs 25 lakh, the runner-up Rs 15 lakh, and the third-place club Rs 10 lakh.