Sports

The Alappuzha District Panchayat purchased 20 canoes and kayaks to encourage school students in the Aryad division to take part in water sports. Students from government and private schools in the area will receive paddling training on Vembanad Lake with the support of professional trainers. The project is being implemented in association with the Aryad Block Panchayat and the Kayaking and Canoeing Association, Alappuzha. The initiative was introduced after several students showed interest in paddle sports, with some students from Kalavoor and Mannancherry already participating in national-level competitions and training programmes.

Kerala’s famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race delivered a thrilling finish at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on August 22, 2026. Aroma Chundan of Aroma Boat Club won the 72nd edition with a time of 4 minutes, 23.328 seconds, narrowly defeating Nadubhagom Chundan, which finished in 4 minutes, 23.448 seconds. Veeyapuram Chundan secured third place, making it one of the closest finals in the race’s history. Held during Kerala’s festive season, the event brought together 71 boats, including 22 traditional snake boats, and attracted thousands of spectators to Alappuzha’s backwaters. The spectacular synchronised rowing, traditional boat songs and intense competition highlighted Kerala’s rich Vallamkali heritage and added to the celebrations surrounding the 2026 Onam season.

The renovated Raja Kesavadas Swimming Pool in Alappuzha was inaugurated on November 25, 2022, by Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, bringing the facility back into use after remaining closed for around 16 years. The pool, located near the Alappuzha Lighthouse, was renovated to improve swimming and water-sports facilities in the district. The upgraded pool measures approximately 50 metres long and 25 metres wide and was developed as an important training facility for swimmers and young athletes. Officials said the revived facility would help strengthen swimming training and promote water sports in Alappuzha, where many athletes previously depended on canals and rivers for practice.

The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race was held on August 22, 2026, at the famous Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. One of Kerala’s most celebrated sporting and cultural events, the race brought together traditional Chundan Vallams (snake boats) with large teams of oarsmen competing in synchronised rhythm before thousands of spectators. The annual event traces its history to Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Alappuzha in 1952 and has since become an important symbol of Kerala’s backwater culture and boat-racing tradition. In the 2026 edition, Aroma-1 of Aroma Boat Club won the Nehru Trophy.

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes delighted local cricket enthusiasts in Arthunkal, Alappuzha, when he joined a group of young players for an informal game on the beach. Rhodes was visiting Alappuzha with his family and had been exploring the district’s backwaters and tourist attractions when he came across local youths playing cricket. After watching them play, Rhodes returned to Arthunkal Beach and joined the players, reportedly arriving by bicycle. The local cricketers were thrilled to share the field with the former international star, who hit boundaries and sixes and spent time interacting with them. His visit also included backwater cruises and trips to attractions such as the Alappuzha Lighthouse, Krishnapuram Palace and Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.