All arrangements in place for 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Keralam
The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Kerala is set to take place with 71 boats competing in various categories. The event has been professionalized with a new event management group and increased prize money to attract more participants and tourism.
Why it matters
As a major cultural and sporting event, the boat race serves as a significant driver for local tourism and regional economic activity in Kerala.
The oars are ready, the boats are tuned and Punnamada is bracing for another fierce battle as 71 boats take to the waters for the 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Saturday (August 22, 2026). Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the event at 2 p.m.
The races will begin at 11 a.m. with heats for the smaller boats. Following the inaugural ceremony, the heats for the 22 snake boats and finals of the smaller boat categories will be held. The finals will begin at 4 p.m. Besides the snake boat race, competitions will be held in the churulan, iruttukuthi A, iruttukuthi B, iruttukuthi C, veppu A, veppu B, thekkanodi thara and thekkanodi kettu categories.
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