'Jawahar Thayankari, the snake boat owned by Kumarakom Vembanad Boat Club, lifted the 63rd edition of the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race at the Vembanad Lake in the district today.
Captained by Jameskutty Jacob, the Thayankari crossed the finishing line pushing its close competetors 'Mahadevikkattil' and 'Sree Ganesh' into second and third positions respectively.
'Jawahar Thayankari had been winners of the annual event in 1985 and 2010.
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A large number of spectators including from foreign countries witessed the event.
The trophy was instituted to commemorate the visit of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the area and his boat ride in the lake.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who inaugurated the event, said the Centre was prepared to make the Kodaikanal-Alappuzha Tourism highway a reality provided the state government completes the land acquisition process as early as possible.
Chinese Ambassador to India, Le Yuching, who was the chief guest, gave away the prizes.