Niranam Punyaalan claims Sree Narayana Trophy at 86th Kannetti boat race

Niranam Punyaalan of the Souhridham 87 reaching the finishing point to bag first place in the 86th Kannetti Sree Narayana Trophy Boat Race held on the Kanneti lake in Kollam on Friday. | Photo Credit: C. Sureshkumar Thrilling the crowds lined along the backwaters, the 86th Kannetti Sree Narayana Trophy Boat Race concluded with Niranam Punyaalan emerging victorious in the prestigious Chundan Vallam (snake boat) category. Rowed by the Kumarakom Town Boat Club under the banner of Souhridham 87 and captained by Anilal Soms, the boat crossed the finish line first to secure the championship title along with the cash prize of ₹1.5 lakh.The final race kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. Naduvilaparamban, rowed by Sangham Kannetti and led by captain Pochayil Nasar, put up a fierce fight to capture second place. Meanwhile, St. Pius Tenth, operated by the Iruvar Boat Club, finished third in the fiercely contested battle of the snake boats.The aquatic festival also showcased intense competition across other traditional categories. In the Thekkanodi boat race, Padinjare Paramban of the ONCC Boat Club, captained by Joy Eye Care, claimed the top spot, while Chellikkadan of the Aikyam Boat Club secured second place. In the Veppu A-Grade category, Manali, rowed by the Newtown Boat Club under Captain Nisar Perumkuzhiyi, took first place, followed by Aikyam Boat Club’s Navajyothi, captained by Sunil, in second. Published - August 28, 2026 08:08 pm IST