Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh announced a rise in the annual grant for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race to ₹2 crore. The move follows a request by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, who also advocated higher prize money for the competition.

Key Takeaways

  • Annual grant raised to ₹2 crore
  • First prize increased to ₹25 lakh, second to ₹20 lakh, etc.
  • ₹11 crore earmarked for the Champions Boat League (CBL)

Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh declared on Sunday that the state will increase its annual financial assistance for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) to ₹2 crore. The announcement was made during a meeting of the NTBR Executive Committee in Alappuzha, attended by senior politicians and officials. The uplift follows a formal request by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, who urged the government to strengthen funding for the iconic event.

Historical and Cultural Context

First held in 1952, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race has become a hallmark of Kerala’s maritime heritage, featuring traditional “snake boats” on Punnamada Lake. The race, timed with the Onam festivities, draws tourists from across India and abroad, generating significant revenue for local businesses and reinforcing the state’s cultural identity.

Prize Money Revision

MP K.C. Venugopal announced that the winning snake boat will now receive ₹25 lakh, the runner‑up ₹20 lakh, third place ₹15 lakh and fourth place ₹10 lakh. Additionally, participant bonuses will be raised to 25 percent, a move intended to incentivize crew members and support the boat‑building community.

Champions Boat League Funding

The government has earmarked ₹11 crore this year for the Champions Boat League (CBL), modeled after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The league aims to become financially self‑sustaining, offering a professional platform for boat racing while preserving traditional formats. This year, the CBL will continue in its current structure, allowing organizers to fine‑tune the commercial model.

Tourism Impact and Future Outlook

The upcoming race, scheduled for August 22 on Punnamada Lake, coincides with the peak Onam season. Minister Vishnunadh assured that the Alappuzha District Tourism Promotion Council will not face any reduction in financial aid and that district allocations have been rationalised. Enhanced funding is expected to boost Kerala’s reputation as a premier destination for water‑sport tourism and may set a precedent for other traditional sports seeking modern sponsorship.