Snake boat "Chambakkulam Chundan", powered by oarsmen of UBC Kainakari Boat Club, won the 62nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at the Vembanad Lake in this District today.
Sree Ganeshan of Kanakari Freedom Boat Club, last year's champions, came a close second and "illikkulam Chundan" of Kollam Jesus Boat Club finished third in the annual event watched by a large number of people, including foreign tourists.
In all 16 snake boats or "chundan vallams" in local parlance took part in the race, considered the country's biggest water-sport event held in the sylvan settings of the backwaters on the second Saturday of August every year.
A cultural procession featuring the folk arts of the state and a mass drill of all participating boats added colour to the event.
The unique features and natural backdrop of the event have been attracting sports enthusiasts from afar.
The trophy was instituted to commemorate the visit of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the area and his boat ride in the lake.
Competitions were also held in smaller categories of boats.
State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar were present to witness the race.
