TTT NEWS NETWORK
ALAPPUZHA | 10 NOVEMBER 2026
Veeyapuram Chundan, rowed by UBC Kainakary FC, registered its first win in the ninth race of the sixth season of the Champions Boat League (CBL), organised by the Kerala Tourism Department, at Kainakary in Alappuzha on Saturday. In a spirited performance on the Pamba river at Kainakary, regarded as the Mecca of Kerala’s traditional boat races, Veeyapuram Chundan clocked 3:52.935 to secure victory on its home course.
UBC Kainakary FC took an early lead of nearly 10 oars length in the opening stretch.The advantage narrowed to half a boat length by the halfway mark, as Aroma Chundan, rowed by the Aroma Boat Club of Paravur, Kollam, mounted a strong challenge. Melpadom Chundan, rowed by the Pallathuruthy Boat Club, also made a determined effort to catch up. However, Veeyapuram capitalised on its early lead to cross the finish line first. Melpadom Chundan finished second in 3:53.892, while Aroma Chundan came third in 3:58.188.
Though Aroma Chundan came second, it had to contend with the third position because of the CBL technical committee decision awarding 5 second advantage to Melpadom Chundan because of the former changing the track at the finishing point. Shri Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, inaugurated the races at Kainakary.
Members of the CBL governing body, senior officials of the Tourism Department and representatives of local selfgovernment institutions attended the event. Local competitions for Odi and Veppu boats were also held as part of the programme. With nine races completed, Aroma retained the top spot in the points table with 82 points. Melpadom stood second with 81 points, followed by Veeyapuram with 73 points.
The finishing order was: Veeyapuram Chundan (UBC Kainakary FC), first; Melpadom Chundan(Pallathuruthy Boat Club), second, Aroma Chundan (Aroma Boat Club, Paravur, Kollam), third, Niranam Chundan (Niranam Boat Club, Niranam), fourth; Nadubhagam Chundan (PBC Punnamada NCFC Boat Club), fifth; Punyalan Niranam (Kumarakom Town Boat Club, Kumarakom), sixth; Arppookara Chundan (Immanuel Boat Club, Kumarakom), seventh; Cheruthana Chundan (NBC Nattakom Boat Club), eighth; and Thalavadi Chundan (Village Boat Club), ninth. ` The next race of the season will be held at Kayamkulam on November 14. The sixth season of the CBL, which features 11 races, including the final, will conclude with the President’s Trophy Boat Race in Kollam on November 21.
The first-place finishers at each race venue will receive ₹5 lakh, while the second- and thirdplaced teams will receive ₹3 lakh and ₹1 lakh, respectively. Each team will also receive ₹4 lakh as bonus. The club finishing first in the championship will receive ₹25 lakh, while the second- and third-placed clubs will receive ₹15 lakh and ₹10 lakh, respectively.
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