The magnificent Veeyapuram Chundan, powered by the Kainakary Village Boat Club, paddled its way to a stunning victory at the Thazhathangadi Boat Race, which marked the Kottayam stop of the prestigious Champions Boat League (CBL).
Securing the second position was Melppadam Chundan from the Pallathuruthy Boat Club, with Nadubhagam Chundan of the Punnamada Boat Club proudly taking third. A total of nine impressive snakeboats fiercely competed on the shimmering waters, making for a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Beyond the main event, the smaller boat categories also delivered thrilling contests. In the Veppu A-Grade, Thiruvaarppu Boat Club’s Nepoleon emerged victorious, closely followed by Shot Pulikkathara from Kanjiram New Star. The Veppu B-Grade championship was claimed by P.G. Karippuzha of the Kondackal Boat Club, with Chiramel Thottukadavan of the Arupara Boat Club earning the runner-up spot.
The Iruttukuthi A-Grade race saw Moonnu Thaikkal from the Pulinkunnu Town Boat Club secure the coveted first place, with Thuruthithara of the Chennithala Town Boat Club finishing a strong second. For the Iruttukuthi B-Grade, Thaniyan of the Great of Korumkotta KBC was crowned champion, and Daniel of the City Boat Club achieved second place.
In the Churulan category, Velangadan of the Kumarankari BBC, Kodimatha of the Veloor Pulikkamattam Boat Club, and Moozhi of the Kumarakom Thoppil PBC secured the top three positions in that order, showcasing their prowess on the water.
The Thazhathangadi race was officially opened by Minister for Cooperation and Ports, V.N. Vasavan, who warmly praised the event as a vibrant celebration of unity and community spirit.
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, the esteemed MLA, chaired the function, and K. Francis George, MP, had the honor of flagging off the colorful ceremonial boat parade.
District Collector Chetan Kumar Meena performed the flag hoisting, and Chandy Oommen, MLA, officially released the event’s commemorative souvenir.