The criterion for selection of finalists in the Nehru Trophy boat race has been changed. Four boats that finish the heats with the shortest timings will be eligible for participation in the finals. Earlier, those boats that came first in each round of heats, irrespective of the overall score in terms of finishing time, were selected for the finals.
The decision is in accordance with the recommendations of an expert committee which examined the issue of making alterations in the mode of competition as more boats are expected to participate in this year’s race, to be held on August 13. The seven-member committee included former MLAs, C.K. Sadasivan and K.K. Shaju.
The recommendations were accepted unanimously at the boat race society’s executive committee meeting here on Saturday. Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac, District Collector R. Girija, municipal chairman Thomas Joseph and others were present.
Finishing point
The length of the race course will be reduced to 1,175 metres to facilitate completion of the race within the conventional time-frame. The finishing point will be set up 25 metre behind the conventional spot. Similarly, the new starting point will be set up at a spot which could reduce the track length again by 30 metres. The width of the track will remain the same, at 10 metre.
It was also decided that officials such as umpires, chief umpire, timers, chief timer, starters and chief starter will be appointed subject to the condition that they are not associated either with the boats or the boat clubs that participate in the race. Electronic digital system will be introduced next year to record the finishing time accurately. Signal lights and sirens will be arranged at the finishing point.
A digital scoreboard will be set up at either bank of the venue at Punnamada, Mr.Isaac said at the meeting. Meanwhile, 18 boats have already registered for the race. The last date for registration is July 27.
