Alappuzha: Mahadevikadu Kattil Thekkethil Chundan (snakeboat), rowed by Pallathuruthy Boat Club, won the 68th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) here on Sunday.
The Mahadevikadu Kattil Thekkethil Chundan finished the race in four minutes and 30.77 seconds. Snakeboats rowed by Pallathuruthy Boat Club had earlier won the races held in 2018 and 2019 also.
In a closely contested final race, Nadubhagam Chundan, paddled by NCDC Boat Club, finished second with a timing of four minutes and 31.57 seconds.
In the third place was secured by Veeyapuram Chundan paddled by Punnamada Boat Club with a timing of four minutes and 31.61 seconds.
The fourth team which took part in the final round was Champakulam Chundan, rowed by the Kerala Police Boat Club team, which completed the race in four minutes and 31.70 seconds.
The race was inaugurated by Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal. The race was flagged off at 11 am.
Minister of Public Works P A Muhammad Riyas and Minister of Agriculture P Prasad, along with all Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly from Alappuzha district, attended the ceremony. District Collector and Nehru Trophy Society Chairman V R Krishna Teja gave the welcome speech. Andaman and Nicobar Lt Governor Rt. Adm. Ral D K Joshi was the chief guest.
The competition was conducted after a two-year gap.
The coveted Nehru trophy bears the signature of the first PM of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The event is marked by vigour, sportsman spirit and revelry.
Over 2,000 police personnel, including 20 DySPs, 50 Inspectors and 465 sub-inspectors were deployed under District Police Chief G Jayadev as part of the security arrangements for the boat race.
