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.
Nine snake boats battled in a league format at venues in Thazhathangadi (Kottayam), Kainakari (Alappuzha), Pandanad (Chengannur, Alappuzha), Karuvatta (Alappuzha), Kayamkulam (Alappuzha) and President's Trophy (Kollam). The grand finale was at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. Early in the championship, the Karichal snake boat, signalled their intent by clinching a dramatic victory at Kainakari, narrowly outpacing the Veeyapuram snake boat.
The crescendo arrived on December 21st with the President's Trophy Boat Race at Ashtamudi Lake, where Veeyapuram snake boat claimed the prestigious President's Trophy. Despite losing out on first place in the finale, Pallathuruthy Boat Club maintained its lead in the overall standings with 58 points, edging out Village Boat Club by a single point and securing the Champions Boat League title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year. Niranam Boat Club concluded the competition in third place with 48 points.
The championship purse awarded the overall winner ₹25 lakh, the runner-up ₹15 lakh, and the second runner-up ₹10 lakh. Enthusiastic crowds lined the backwaters at every venue, celebrating the centuries-old boat race tradition through spectacular competition and cultural festivities.
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.
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.
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.
