Nehru Trophy boat race to be held tomorrow

Alappuzha, Aug 10 (UNI) The 55th Nehru Trophy Boat race for Rowers would be 'rowed off' at Punnamada Lake here tomorrow.

A total of 56 traditional boats including 16 'Chundans' (snake boats) from Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha would participate in the one-day tournament, to be inaugurated by Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan.

The two-time defending champions 'Payippad Chundan' would face stiff challenge from 'Sree Ganesh' and 'UBC Kainakary'.

The first heat in which major teams like 'Nadubhagom', 'Vallamkulangara', 'Jawahar Thayankari' and 'Sree Ganesh' were scheduled to compete would be a thriller for the enthusiasts.

Apart from the local teams, nine foreign women would row the 'Chellikadan' boat to feature in the 'Thekkanodi' category.

The winning 'Chundan' will get Rs two lakh with a trophy, the runner-up Rs 1.5 lakh and the third team Rs one lakh.

UNI