The Karichal ‘chundan’ (snake-boat), rowed by the Jesus Boat Club (JBC), Kollam, lifted the Rajapramukhan trophy in the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, a race that has history dating back to 1545 A.D. and one that signals the beginning of the boat race season in Kerala.
The JBC, winner of the trophy last year and also of the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race last year, was captained by Jiji Jacob Pollayil and won the race by reaching the finishing point well ahead of nearest rival ‘Sri Vinayakan’ chundan, rowed by the Kumarakom Town Boat Club, Kottayam, which was captained by Joseph Philip. The ‘Sri Ganeshan’ chundan’, rowed by the Kavalam Boat Club, Alappuzha and captained by Mathew Kuncheria.
The historic race, which began a good two hours behind schedule, overcame the challenge thrown by the hartal called by the ruling Left Democratic Front with thousands of spectators, including foreign tourists thronging the shores of the Pampa River. Many of them came by foot, some by auto-rickshaws that minted money and much more, on private vehicles and boats.
The event, despite its 455-year-old history, had its shortcomings since the State Tourism Department has allowed a grant of a mere Rs.50,000 when smaller boat races that began a few years back receive grants of over Rs.2 lakh, organizers said. Mediocre grants have failed to attract competitors, which was why there were many one-sided races in the event, they added.
Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran, who was scheduled to inaugurate the event did not turn up and Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, inaugurated the event which was presided over by Thomas Chandy, MLA. Coir and Cooperation Minister G. Sudhakaran gave away the trophies and cash awards.
The winners in the categories other than the snake boat category were ‘Velangadan’ (churulan category); ‘Karuvelithara’ in the Odi ‘A’ category; ‘Daniel’ in the Odi B category; ‘Ambalakadavan’ in the Veppu ‘A’ category; and ‘Thottukadavan’ in the Veppu ‘B’ category.
