Punnamada in Keralam’s Alappuzha sizzles as boat clubs battle for NTBR crown
The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race is underway at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, featuring 71 competing boats. This year's event introduces professional event management and a significant increase in prize money to 25 lakh rupees.
Why it matters
The event is a major cultural and sporting landmark in Kerala, reflecting the state's traditional heritage and growing commercial interest in regional sports.
All roads lead to Alappuzha as Punnamada Lake comes alive with the roar of oars, fierce rivalries and the promise of glory, with the 72nd edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race getting under way on Saturday (August 22, 2026).
The heats for the smaller boats, including Iruttukuthi C, Iruttukuthi B and Veppu A, which began around 11 a.m., have concluded, while the heats for the Chundans (snake boats) are now progressing. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to formally inaugurate the event at 2 p.m.
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