Alappuzha: Veeyapuram Chundan, representing the Village Boat Club, Kainakary, surged to victory in the 71st edition of the iconic Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on Saturday, outpacing rivals in Kerala’s most celebrated water regatta.

The annual vallam kali (snake boat race), named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, drew thousands of spectators as traditional chundan vallams each powered by over a hundred oarsmen raced in perfect rhythm to drumbeats and vanchipattu songs.

The triumph reinforced the Village Boat Club’s legacy in one of India’s most spectacular cultural sporting events, which continues to attract national and international attention.