The air in Kerala is once again set to thrum with the rhythmic splash of oars, the thunderous roar of passionate crowds, and the breathtaking sight of majestic *chundan vallams*, or snakeboats, gracefully cutting through the waters. The highly anticipated Champions Boat League (CBL), proudly presented by Kerala Tourism, is launching its fifth exhilarating season this week. Get ready for a spectacular showcase of traditional boat racing, featuring high-octane contests, intense rivalries, and the enduring spirit of *Vallamkali*.
Only the elite can compete! The nine fastest snakeboats from the 2025 Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) have earned their coveted spots in CBL-V. This season promises a marathon of excitement with 14 races scheduled, kicking off on September 19th on the historic Pampa river in Kainakary, Kuttanad, Alappuzha. This captivating, nearly three-month-long event will traverse across Kerala, culminating in the prestigious President’s Trophy on Kollam’s serene Ashtamudi Lake on December 6th.
As the new season approaches, all eyes are on the water, eager to see if any team can finally challenge the unstoppable force that is the Pallathuruthy Boat Club (PBC). For an incredible four consecutive seasons, PBC has dominated the CBL, consistently guiding various snakeboats to victory with unmatched prowess. However, this year promises a high-voltage showdown. The Village Boat Club (VBC) of Kainakary has already set the stage for an epic battle, having dramatically ended PBC’s quest for a double hat-trick at the 71st Nehru Trophy Boat Race, securing their own triumph on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on August 30, 2025.
Concerns over Funding Allocation
While CBL-V is set to deliver thrilling competition, there are growing concerns regarding the league’s budget. The State Budget for 2025-26 has allocated ₹8.96 crore, a noticeable reduction compared to previous years. Suneer A., working president of the formidable Pallathuruthy Boat Club, voiced these concerns: ‘Boat clubs invest heavily in preparing for the CBL. Timely disbursement of bonus and prize money is crucial; any delay could plunge us into a financial crisis.’ Organizers, however, assure the public that efforts are underway to secure additional sponsorships for the league.
Beyond the opening race in Kainakary and the grand President’s Trophy finale, the CBL circuit will electrify twelve other locations. Race enthusiasts can mark their calendars for events at Thazhathangadi in Kottayam (September 27th), Cheruvathur in Kasaragod (October 2nd), Piravom in Ernakulam (October 4th), Marine Drive in Ernakulam (October 11th), Beypore in Kozhikode (October 19th), and Kottappuram in Thrissur (October 25th). The excitement continues into November with races in Alappuzha at Pulinkunnu (November 1st), Karuvatta (November 8th), Pandanad (November 15th), and Kayamkulam (November 22nd), concluding with Kallada in Kollam on November 29th. The date for Dharmadom in Kannur is yet to be announced.
Participating Boat Clubs and Snakeboats in CBL-V
- Village Boat Club, Kainakary (Veeyapuram)
- Punnamada Boat Club (Nadubhagam)
- Pallathuruthy Boat Club (Melpadom)
- Niranom Boat Club (Niranom)
- Kumarakom Town Boat Club (Payippadan 1)
- Emmanuel Boat Club (Naduvileparamban)
- Karichal Chundan Boat Club (Karichal)
- Thekkekara Boat Club, Mankombu (Cheruthana)
- Changanassery Boat Club (Champakulam)