Kerala's boat racing season is in full swing as preparations intensify for the upcoming Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) on August 22. Nine leading boat clubs have established training camps across Kuttanad, with trial sessions for smaller boats beginning in early August. The Punnamada Boat Club in Alappuzha, a dominant force in the racing circuit, has started its training program with over 100 participants, including 83 oarsmen and five helmsmen. The Kerala government increased the prize money for the winning team to ₹25 lakh, boosting competition. Preparing a single team for major races like the NTBR costs between ₹1.25 crore and ₹1.5 crore, funded through sponsorships, donations, and prize money. This year, the Punnamada Boat Club will be led by a woman, Anu Albert Pulikkattil, marking a historic milestone.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports events and does not involve any political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides factual information about the boat racing season, training programs, and financial aspects without showing any ideological bias or framing that favors one side over another.





