Niranam Punyaalan claims Sree Narayana Trophy at 86th Kannetti boat race

Thrilling the crowds lined along the backwaters, the 86th Kannetti Sree Narayana Trophy Boat Race concluded with Niranam Punyaalan emerging victorious in the prestigious Chundan Vallam (snake boat) category. Rowed by the Kumarakom Town Boat Club under the banner of Souhridham 87 and captained by Anilal Soms, the boat crossed the finish line first to secure the championship title along with the cash prize of ₹1.5 lakh.

The final race kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. Naduvilaparamban, rowed by Sangham Kannetti and led by captain Pochayil Nasar, put up a fierce fight to capture second place. Meanwhile, St. Pius Tenth, operated by the Iruvar Boat Club, finished third in the fiercely contested battle of the snake boats.

The aquatic festival also showcased intense competition across other traditional categories. In the Thekkanodi boat race, Padinjare Paramban of the ONCC Boat Club, captained by Joy Eye Care, claimed the top spot, while Chellikkadan of the Aikyam Boat Club secured second place. In the Veppu A-Grade category, Manali, rowed by the Newtown Boat Club under Captain Nisar Perumkuzhiyi, took first place, followed by Aikyam Boat Club’s Navajyothi, captained by Sunil, in second.

Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh said that the Tourism department will provide an annual financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to the Kannetti boat race to ensure the preservation and promotion of Keralam’s traditional water carnivals. Inaugurating the event on Friday, the Minister pointed out the cultural and historical significance of water sports in the State, observing that Kannetti race holds a unique distinction as the only race in Keralam offering a trophy named in honour of Sree Narayana Guru. “And this year’s event coincided with the observances of both Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti and Mahatma Ayyankali Jayanti,” he added.

The Minister clarified that the initial allocation of ₹5 lakh was doubled to ₹10 lakh following representations submitted by C.R. Mahesh, MLA, and K.C. Venugopal, MP. He pointed out that this figure exceeds the standard financial support usually granted to similar water sports events in the region. Furthermore, the Minister assured State support, alongside contributions from the MLA local area development fund, to assist in the construction of a permanent pavilion for the boat race.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Mr. Mahesh. N.K. Premachandran, MP, District Collector Anie Julia Thomas, and Karunagappally municipal chairperson P. Somarajan were also present.