Prepare for an exhilarating display of speed and tradition as the Champions Boat League (CBL) makes its highly anticipated return to Kerala. Modeled after the popular Indian Premier League (IPL), this thrilling boat racing championship, organized by Kerala Tourism, promises to be a highlight for locals and tourists alike.
The action-packed event is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Feroke, a picturesque location nestled along the Chaliyar river, near Beypore. The Honorable Minister for Tourism and Public Works, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, will officially inaugurate the competitions.
Spectators can look forward to a fierce contest involving 15 impeccably crafted boats, each powered by 30 skilled rowers. The races will unfold along a dynamic course, stretching between the historic old Feroke bridge and its modern counterpart. The exhilarating events are slated to commence at 2 p.m. The competition structure includes five preliminary heats, leading to three gripping finals: the first losers’ race, the losers’ race, and ultimately, the grand final race, all scheduled according to the detailed timetable. The day will culminate with a celebratory prize distribution ceremony at 5 p.m., with various water exercises and cultural performances planned during race intervals to keep the energy high.
Minister Riyas emphasized the immense popularity of the CBL, noting that the overwhelming public engagement at the recent boat race in Dharmadam underscored its massive success among the people of Malabar. He stated that the Tourism department is actively exploring and developing new tourism opportunities for every season. The Champions Boat League, he assured, will be further enhanced to allow both domestic and international visitors to immerse themselves in this unique sporting and cultural spectacle across multiple districts during Kerala’s vibrant boat racing season.
The formidable teams vying for the championship title include AKG Podothuruthy A Team, AKG Podothuruthy B Team, Red Star Karyakode, New Brothers Mayiccha, Vayalkkara Mayiccha, AKG Mayiccha, Vayalkkara Vengat, VBC Kuttivayal (Fighting Star Club), Krishna Pillai Kavumchira, Pallidon Acham Thuruthi A Team, Pallidon Acham Thuruthi B Team, Azhikodan Acham Thuruthi, EMS Muzhakeel, Navedaya Mangalassery, and Dharmadam Boat Club.
Adding to the excitement, each participating team will receive a bonus of ₹1 lakh. The top three teams will also be awarded substantial cash prizes: ₹1.5 lakh for the first-place winner, ₹1 lakh for second place, and ₹50,000 for third place. Following the events in Dharmadam and Beypore, the Malabar leg of the CBL will continue with another thrilling boat race on October 19 at Cheruvathur in Kasaragod.
The flag-off ceremony will be presided over by Feroke municipal chairperson N.C. Abdul Razak and graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including M.K. Raghavan MP, Mayor Beena Philip, district panchayat president Sheeja Sasi, District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited chairman S.K. Sajeesh, and former MLA V.K.C. Mammad Koya.