Alappuzha: 'Jawahar Thayankari, the snake boat owned by Kumarakom Vembanad Boat Club, lifted the 63rd edition of the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race at the Vembanad Lake in the district Saturday.
Captained by Jameskutty Jacob, the Thayankari crossed the finishing line pushing its close competetors 'Mahadevikkattil' and 'Sree Ganesh' into second and third positions respectively.
'Jawahar Thayankari had been winners of the annual event in 1985 and 2010.
As many as 16 snake boats, known as 'chundan vallam' in local parlance, participated in the event, which is used to be held on the second saturday of August every year.
A large number of spectators including from foreign countries witessed the event.
The trophy was instituted to commemorate the visit of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the area and his boat ride in the lake.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who inaugurated the event, said the Centre was prepared to make the Kodaikanal-Alappuzha Tourism highway a reality provided the state government completes the land acquisition process as early as possible.
Chinese Ambassador to India, Le Yuching, who was the chief guest, gave away the prizes.