By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
The fifth edition of the Champions Boat League (CBL-5), organised by the Department of Tourism in Kerala, will begin its Malabar leg on October 2, 2025 in the Anjarakandy river at Dharmadam in Kannur. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event, with Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas presiding.
The inaugural race will see 15 churuli (spiral) boats competing over a 1-km course from Mamakunnu bridge to Muzhappilangad Kadavu. Each boat will have 20 rowers.
The race begins at 2.30 p.m. and concludes with the prize distribution at 5 pm. The total prize money for the Dharmadam CBL race is ₹3 lakh. The winning team will receive ₹1.5 lakh, the runners-up ₹1 lakh and the third prize winner ₹50,000. Each participating team will also be given a bonus of ₹1 lakh.
Kerala Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer and Minister for Museums Kadannappally Ramachandran will also attend the function. Alongside the competition, water sports and leisure activities are scheduled during recess.
Mr. Riyas said the CBL competition would enhance tourism prospects in Malabar and provide a visual feat for domestic and international tourists while showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.
The participating teams include AKG Podothuruthi A Team, AKG Podothuruthi B Team, Red Star Karyakode, New Brothers Mayicha, Vayalkkara Mayicha, AKG Mayicha, VayalkkaraVengattu, VBC Kuttivayal (Fighting Star Club), KrishnapillaiKavumchira, PalichonAchamthuruthi A Team, PalichonAchamthuruthi B Team, AzheekodanAchamthuruthi, EMS Muzhakkeel, Dharmadom Team and Navodaya Mangalassery.
The Malabar leg will continue with races at Beypore in Kozhikode on October 12 and Cheruvathur in Kasaragod on October 19.
