Preparations in final stage for 12th President’s Trophy Boat Race

Preparations for the 12th edition of the President’s Trophy Boat Race and the Champions Boat League (CBL) final scheduled to be held on November 21 on Ashtamudi Lake are in their final stages. A high-level review meeting led by Ministers P.C. Vishnunadh and Shibu Baby John was held on Saturday (November 14) to assess the arrangements for the thrilling water regatta.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Vishnunadh said that a total of 12 boats — three each in the Veppu A Grade, Iruttukuthi A Grade, Iruttukuthi B Grade, and women’s Thekkanodi categories — will compete in the President’s Trophy Boat Race. Additionally, nine snakeboats (Chundan Vallams) will battle it out in the grand finale of the Champions Boat League.

Minister Shibu Baby John informed that a proclamation procession will be organised on November 19 at 4 p.m. from the KSRTC bus stand to Chinnakada as part of the festivities.

Ministers, public representatives, prominent figures from the arts, sports, and cultural spheres, Kudumbashree members, and students will participate in the procession, alongside smaller rallies across various parts of the corporation. The Minister also inaugurated the President’s trophy reception committee office located opposite the KSRTC bus stand.

To promote the event, tug-of-war and kabaddi competitions are being held on Kollam Beach at 4.30 p.m., featuring service teams as well as separate teams for boys and girls. Cultural programmes will also be staged from November 18 to 20. Alongside events at the reception committee office on November 18 and 20, a musical night led by singer Job Kurian and his band will be held on the evening of November 19 at the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex in Asramam.

District Collector Anie Jula Thomas presided over the meeting that was also attended attended by Vishnu Mohan, MLA, District Police Chief (Kollam City) Aswathy Gigi, ACP S. Shaji, Deputy Collector S. Sanob, ADM S. Sajeed, Tourism Joint Director P.I. Subair Kutty, DTPC Secretary Jyothish Kesavan, and representatives of the organizing and sub-committees.