Chief Minister inaugurates CBL-3 North Malabar Leg
Kannur / September 9, 2023
Kannur, Sep 9: AKG Podothuruthi B-Team became the winners in the first boat race at the prestigious Champions Boat League (CBL-3) today, outshining Krishnapillai Kavumchira and Vishnumoorthy Kuttivayal which finished second and third respectively.
Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the ‘churulan vallam’ races at the Anjarakandy river in the district, marking north Malabar’s entry as a venue for the annual IPL-model boat race being organized by Kerala Tourism across the state. He also distributed prizes to the winners of today’s race of CBL-3, which will be held in five central and southern districts: Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Kollam.
This evening, eleven churulan boats from the district of Kannur and two from adjoining Kasaragod vied for honours along the one-km stretch between Mammakunnu bridge and Muzhappilangad kadavu.
The Chief Minister, while speaking on the occasion, said CBL-3 held its debut race in North Malabar as part of the government’s vision to spread its popularity in all parts of the state. “Last year, CBL-2 held a similar event in Chaliyar river near Kozhikode, earning big support from boat-race enthusiasts,” he recalled.
Tourism Minister Shri P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who presided over the ceremony, said the Anjarakandy river will be made a permanent venue on the fixture of the annual CBL races. “The huge crowd here shows the passion people of north Kerala have for boat-races,” he noted.
The three toppers today qualified for the final race on the basis of their performance at the heats. The other ten teams were AKG Podothuruthi A-Team, AKG Mayicha, Palichon Achanthuruthu A-Team, Palichon Achanthuruthu B-Team, Red Star Karyamkod, Vayalkara
Vengad, EMS Muzhikal, Vayalkara Mayicha, Navodaya Mangalassery and Sugunan Master Memorial Club Meloor.
Today’s function was attended, among others, by Shri V. Sivadasan, MP, District Panchayat President Smt P.P. Divya, Kerala Tourism Additional Director Shri Prem Krishnan S. and Joint Director Shri Girish Kumar D., besides councilors of local civic bodies.
The ‘churulan’ variety of boat, with a length of 32 feet, has its bows rising at both ends, and can carry up to 30 rowers. They add to the competitive spirit of water races, which are primarily defined by the 120-foot-long snake-boats called chundan vallams featuring around 100 rowers.
The inaugural CBL was held in 2019, beginning with the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha down the state.
