Veeyapuram Chundan wins Champions Boat League; Niranam Chundan clinches President’s Trophy

The fifth edition of the Champions Boat League (CBL) concluded on Saturday with Veeyapuram Chundan, rowed by the Village Boat Club, Kainakary, officially emerging as the overall season champions. In an IPL-style format organised by the Tourism department, Veeyapuram displayed dominant form throughout the league, securing the title by winning nine out of the eleven races and topping the points table. However, the final race for the President’s Trophy concluded with a dramatic victory for Niranam Chundan. Rowed by the Niranam Boat Club, the boat outpaced Veeyapuram to claim first place with a timing of 03:36:548 minutes.

In a gripping finale, Niranam, Veeyapuram, and Melpadam were inseparable until the closing stages of the race. The deadlock was finally broken in the last lap when Niranam unleashed a powerful surge to claim the lead. As the rhythm faltered for the other two contenders, Veeyapuram settled for second place (03:37:826) and Melpadam took third spot (03:40:233).

The fifth season of the CBL belonged entirely to Veeyapuram Chundan, whose consistency earned them the overall title. Winning nine out of eleven races — including nine consecutive victories — the boat displayed unmatched competitive superiority. Most notably, Veeyapuram successfully neutralised the threat of the former four-season champions, Pallathuruthy Boat Club, outperforming them in every single race of the year. The Village Boat Club accepted the championship trophy and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh along with the CBL trophy. By consistently overcoming the previously unbeaten Veeyapuram — first at Ernakulam Marine Drive and again at Ashtamudi — Niranam proved their prowess was a result of skill rather than luck.

Veeyapuram Chundan secured the CBL Season 5 championship by finishing the 11-race league with a total of 108 points. Melpadam Chundan took second place overall with 92 points, while Niranam Chundan clinched the third spot with 86 points. Although Veeyapuram dominated the season standings, the final race for the prestigious President’s Trophy saw Niranam Chundan deliver a stunning performance to take first place, leaving Veeyapuram and Melpadam in second and third respectively. The day’s events also had smaller boat categories and women’s teams, featuring victories by Jalarani (Iruttukuthi B Grade), P.G. Karnan (Iruttukuthi A Grade), and Chellikkadan in the women’s division.