CBL Malabar Leg: Azhikodan Acham Thuruthi Emerge Winners at Beypore

KOZHIKODE:
Azhikodan Acham Thuruthi emerged first in the second race of the Malabar leg of the Champions Boat League (CBL-5) held at Beypore today, outsmarting Pallidon Acham Thuruthi.

The IPL-style CBL is being organised by Kerala Tourism.

Overall, 15 ‘churulan’ boats vied for honours at the stretch between the old and new Feroke bridges along the Chaliyar river, after Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the race at the venue, 10 km south of the city.

The Minister announced that Beypore will be a permanent venue for the annual CBL, which is currently in its fifth edition. “We see the real results of the Tourism Department’s initiatives trickling down to the local civic bodies,” he said, noting that the state even has a gram panchayat with three five-star hotels.

“Most of the CBL matches are held in rural areas. That gives tourists a reason to visit our state in large numbers,” Riyas pointed out. “All these generate a huge income being generated by the local self-government bodies.”

At the races, Azhikodan Acham Thuruthi clocked 2:27.561 minutes to emerge the toppers, overpowering the strong currents along the Chaliyar. The race was tight, with Pallidon Acham Thuruthi-A team finishing second, trailing behind by mere 285 microseconds (2:27.846 minutes). AKG Podothuruthy-A team finished third (2:36.206 minutes).

Vayalkkara Vengat came fourth, followed by New Brothers Mayiccha and Pallidon Acham Thuruthi-B Team. Finishing seventh was EMS Muzhakeel, ahead of AKG Mayiccha (eighth).

The other participating boats (in the heats) were AKG Podothuruthy B Team, Redstar Karyakode, Vayalkkara Mayiccha, VBC Kuttivayal (Fighting Star Club), Navedaya Mangalassery, Dharmadam Boat Club and Krishna Pillai Kavumchira. Nine teams competed in three finals (first Losers, losers, and final) based on the time they finished in five heats.

The inaugural function, presided over by Feroke Municipal Chairman N.C. Abdul Razak, was attended by District Panchayat President Sheeja Sasi, District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, KTIL Chairman S.K. Sajeesh, former legislator V.K.C. Mammad Koya, Kerala Tourism Additional Director (General) Sreedhanya Suresh and CBL Coordinator Ansar K.S.

Water exercise demonstrations were held during the boat race.

The participating boats will receive a bonus of Rs. 1 lakh each. Those emerging first, second and third will receive Rs. 1.5 lakh, Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 50,000 respectively.

The first race of the CBL Malabar leg was at Dharmadom near Thalassery on October 2. The next will be at Cheruvathur (Kasaragod) on October 19.