Tourism News
Champions Boat League 2024: A Celebration of Kerala’s Snake Boat Racing Tradition
The Champions Boat League (CBL-4), organized by Kerala Tourism, commenced on November 16, 2024 at Thazhathangadi along the Meenachil River in Kottayam. This six-week-long celebration of Kerala’s iconic snake boat races will culminate on December 21 in Kollam, coinciding with the prestigious President's Trophy Boat Race.
The event was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas, with the Minister for Ports and Co-operation Shri V. N. Vasavan presiding over the opening ceremony. The occasion was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Shri Francis George, Shri Jose K. Mani, and Shri Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, MLA.
Nine teams are competing in this year’s league, with races held across six picturesque venues, including Kainakari (November 23), Pandanad-Chengannur (November 30), Karuvatta (December 7) and Kayamkulam (December 14), before the grand finale in Kollam. The league offers a prize pool of ?3.2 crores, with ?5 lakhs, ?3 lakhs, and ?1 lakh awarded to teams that reach the first, the second, and third place respectively in individual races. The overall champion will receive ?25 lakhs, while the first runner-up and the second runner-up teams will earn ?15 lakhs and ?10 lakhs respectively.
Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, emphasized the significance of the CBL as a global showcase for Kerala’s cultural heritage, and highlighted its role in revitalizing tourism during the peak season. He praised the professionalism and enthusiasm of the participating teams, noting that this year’s league fulfilled long-standing requests from enthusiasts, following a temporary pause due to mid-monsoon landslides in Wayanad.
This edition features both seasoned teams and new contenders. Pallathuruthy Boat Club (PBC) is rowing the legendary Karichal snake boat, while Village Boat Club Kainakari, the defending champions, is competing with the Veeyapuram Chundan. The other teams include UBC Kainakari with the Thalavadi snake boat, Kumarakom Boat Club with the Melappadam Chundan, and Changanassery Boat Club with the Ayaparam Valiya Divanji.
Pallathuruthy Boat Club (PBC) clinched a thrilling victory in the second race of the Champions Boat League (CBL-4) held at Kainakari on November 23, 2024, edging out Village Boat Club (VBC) Kainakari by mere seconds. The final heat saw intense competition between PBC, VBC and UBC Kainakari, with PBC's Karichal snake boat surging ahead in the second half to complete the race in 3:57:51 minutes. Hosted along the scenic backwaters, the race was inaugurated by the Agriculture Minister Shri P. Prasad, with officials from Kerala Tourism in attendance. The PBC’s victory underscores their prowess, promising more excitement in the upcoming races.
The Champions Boat League 2024 promises a thrilling combination of tradition, competition and cultural pride, ensuring an unforgettable experience for spectators and participants alike.
