THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Champions Boat League, the IPL-model snake boat race organised by the State Tourism Department, will begin with the Nehru trophy Boat Race on August 11, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran has said.
“The annual event is the latest tourism product of Kerala. It will help revive the glory of snake boat races,” he said.The league comprises 13 contests in 13 venues. The first prize winner will get a purse of Rs 25 lakh. Those who finish second and third will get cash prizes of Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively.
First prize winner in all other venues will get Rs 5 lakh cash prize. Second and third prize winners will get cash prizes of Rs 3 lakh and Rs one lakh respectively.
Top nine snake boats from the Nehru Trophy Boat Race will be eligible to attend the CBL. The Department will appoint a sports management agency to run the show for five years. It will be responsible for branding and positioning the event in national and international levels.All contests will be from 2.30 pm to 5 pm.
Event Schedule
Nehru Trophy Boat Race - August 11
Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha - August 18
Karuvatta, Alappuzha- August 28
Kottappuram, Thrissur- September 1
Thazhathangady, Kottayam- September 9
Poothotta, Ernakulam- September 15
Piravom, Ernakulam- September 22
Kainakary, Alappuzha- September 29
Kavanattinkara, Kottayam- October 6
Mother Theresa Race, Mavelikkara - October 13
Kayamkulam, Alappuza- October 20
Kallada, Kollam- October 27
President’s Trophy, Kollam - November 1