Boat clubs in central Travancore shift to race mode ahead of season

The pulsating cheers and the rhythmic sweep of mighty oars, propelling sleek snake boats across the waterways, are once again bringing the backwater villages of central Travancore to life.

With just three weeks to go before the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) in Alappuzha, the boat clubs of the north and upper Kuttanad regions have plunged into intense preparations for the season. This year, at least four teams from Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts will compete in the event.

Representing the Kottayam district this year are the Kumarakom Town Boat Club, the NCDC Boat Club, and the Changanassery Boat Club. The Niranom Boat Club, near Thiruvalla, joins the line-up with its own crew of 85 rowers.

Training sessions

Training sessions are conducted twice a day, in the early mornings and late evenings. Alongside rowing practice, camps include orientation classes and rigorous physical conditioning. The Kumarakom Town Boat Club (KTBC) has set up camp at St. John’s Church, Vadakkumkara, while its training sessions take place at the Sreekumaramangalam temple ghats.

“We have 125 professional rowers in camp this season and our estimated expenses stand at ₹1.25 crore,” said Midhun, an office-bearer of the KTBC.

However, not every club is in a position to compete. The Vembanad Boat Club, Vembanad Junior Boat Club, NDC Boat Club, Nava Jeevan Boat Club, Village Boat Club and Navadhara Boat Club have withdrawn this year, citing severe financial constraints.

Other events

Beyond the NTBR, Kottayam’s snake boats will also line up for other marquee events, including the Paipad Jalolsavam, Aranmula Boat Race, and the President’s Trophy Boat Race. In addition to the snake boat category, the boat clubs from the region will compete in the Veppu and Iruttukuthi races, with training for these crews scheduled to start in the coming week.

Meanwhile, the commencement of practice sessions by the boat clubs has turned Kumarakom a fan hub, packed with diehard admirers awaiting the boat race as well as visitors stopping by for a brief look at the practice sessions.