Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas flagging off the Champions Boat League in Dharmadam, Kannur, on September 2.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Dharmadam turned festive on Thursday (September 2) as the Anjarakandy river roared with rhythm, energy, and the cry of oarsmen. In front of tens of thousands gathered on both banks, Azheekodan Achamthuruthi clinched the Champions Boat League (CBL) 2025 title, completing the final in 1.54.221 minutes.
They outplaced Vayalkkara Vengattu, who finished in 1.54.611 minutes, and Palichon Achamthuruti A team, who secured third with 1.56.052 minutes. The winning team, powered by Aniyath Sajiraj and Amarath K.P. Vijesh under manager Deepesh, lifted the coveted trophy from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who inaugurated the league amid the thunderous applause.
Azheekodan Achamthuruthi, winners of the Champions Boat League (CBL) 2025, receiving the trophy from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas on September 2.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The Chief Minister said the CBL had become a symbol of Kerala’s tourism potential. “The large crowd on both banks is proof that the country has welcomed the Champions Boat League well. This shows tourism will continue to strengthen in a good way,” he said, stressing that public support and cooperation were vital.
Tourism and Public Works department (PWD) Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who presided over the function, said the government aimed to expand the event to more destinations. “Kerala’s Champions Boat League, brought to Malabar in 2013, has now gained global relevance. Such competitions ensure Malabar is not left behind,” he said, pointing out that only 6% of domestic tourists visited Malabar in 2021 due to poor connectivity and facilities.
He added that the government was fast-tracking the National Highway, Coastal Highway and Hill Highway projects to address this gap, while also improving accommodation facilities. “There are now three five-star hotels in one panchayat of Kasaragod district alone. Besides, online booking has been enabled in 153 PWD rest houses,” the minister said.
Registration and Museum Minister Ramachandran Kadannappalliand Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer, attending as chief guest, said events like the CBL would give Malabar’s tourism sector a decisive edge.
In all, 15 ‘Churli’ boats competed in five heats of three boats each, with the fastest nine advancing to the final. The roar of the crowd propelled the teams in every round as three finalists clocked sub-two-minute times. Behind the top three, New Brothers Mayicha finished fourth, followed by AKG Podothuruthi A Team (5th), Navodaya Mangalassery (6th), Krishnapillai Kavumchira (7th), AKG Mayicha (8th) and Vayalkkara Mayicha (9th).
The prize purses matched the spectacle: ₹1.5 lakh for the winners, ₹1 lakh for the second, and ₹50,000 for the third. Participating teams were also given a bonus of ₹1 lakh each.
District panchayat president K.K. Ratnakumari, District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, local body representatives, political leaders, tourism director Shikha Surendran and other officials joined the celebration.
Published – October 02, 2025 08:40 pm IST
