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.