The second edition of the Champions Boat League (CBL) built upon Kerala's iconic snake boat racing tradition, running from September 4th to November 26th, 2022 across 12 venues in five districts. Inaugurated alongside the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, this spectacular water event concluded with the President's Trophy Race at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. Despite fierce competition throughout the season, Tropical Titans, traditionally representing the Pallathuruthy Boat Club, emerged as overall champions yet again.
Unlike its inaugural edition in 2019, CBL-2 featured a few notable additions. A small-boat competition was organized at the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode, reflecting Kerala Tourism's commitment to popularizing snake boat races in the Malabar region. The season spotlighted nine determined teams, among them arch-rivals Mighty Oars (NCDC, Nadubhagam Chundan) and Raging Rowers (Kerala Police Boat Club, Champakulam), who constantly challenged the Titans' dominant position. While Mighty Oars clinched victory in the final race at Kollam, they finished second overall with 107 points—just behind Tropical Titans' tally of 116. Raging Rowers took the third spot with 92 points, followed by Ripple Breakers, Pride Chasers, and Coast Dominators.
CBL 2 showcased fast-paced duels and close finishes, turning each weekend afternoon into a vibrant spectacle for both on-site spectators and viewers tuning in through live coverage. Local communities embraced the festivities, ensuring that each venue pulsated with the region's cultural richness. Kerala Tourism officials highlighted the league's potential to strengthen the state's water-based sporting events, pointing to Kerala's 600 km of coastline and 44 rivers as prime resources for further growth.
In blending fierce athletic rivalry with Kerala's distinctive backwater charm, CBL-2 once again proved the enduring appeal of snake boat racing. From local festival fervour to high-stakes competition, Season 2 served as a testament to the league's growing prominence and the unbreakable bond between Kerala's waterways and its people.
The inaugural season of the Champions Boat League (CBL) marked a groundbreaking initiative to revitalize Kerala's traditional backwater boat races under a unified, professional format.
Season 3 of the Champions Boat League in 2023 once again brought Kerala's backwaters to life with thrilling races, vibrant celebrations, and fierce rivalries among the state's most accomplished boat clubs.
The fourth edition of the Champions Boat League, organized by Kerala Tourism, brought a renewed wave of excitement to Kerala's legendary backwaters. Spanning six weeks from November 16th to December 21st, 2024, it showcased the state's iconic snake boat races across six picturesque venues.
