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The 72nd edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is set for intense competition at the Punnamada backwaters in Keralam's Alappuzha, featuring 71 boats - including 22 iconic snake boats (Chundan Vallam) - competing across various categories.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan is scheduled to inaugurate the prestigious water sporting event on Saturday at 2 pm. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of Keralam's most celebrated cultural and sporting traditions, drawing roots back to 1952. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will be the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony and will also present the prizes to the winners. Kerala Cooperation and Excise Minister M Liju will preside over the function, while Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala will flag off the mass drill. Tourism Minister PC Vishnunath will hoist the flag. Congress Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal will deliver the keynote address and release the souvenir, while MP Kodikunnil Suresh will distribute the media awards. Deputy Speaker Shanimol Usman will present mementoes to the distinguished guests. MLAs A D Thomas, G Sudhakaran, Reji Cherian, P Prasad, Saji Cherian and M S Arun Kumar; District Panchayat president A Mahendran, Alappuzha Municipal Chairperson Molly Jacob; and other public representatives will attend the ceremony. District Collector and Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society chairman Shaji V. Nair will deliver the welcome address, while NTBR secretary and RDO J. Mobi will propose the vote of thanks. The district administration said all arrangements for the boat race have been completed. Elaborate security, traffic and crowd-management arrangements have been put in place for the event, which attracts thousands of spectators to Punnamada every year. Collector Shaji V Nair appealed to the public and all stakeholders to extend their cooperation and support for the smooth and successful conduct of the event. It takes place annually on the second Saturday of August (or rescheduled dates in specific years) on Punnamada Lake, showcasing Kerala's maritime heritage, teamwork, and synchronised rowing precision. (ANI)
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