Stage set for Nehru Trophy boat race

Billed as one of the world's biggest water sporting events, the highlight of the race is the scintillating competition between 20 snake boats for the coveted silver trophy bearing the signature of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, will be the chief guest at the fest this year.

The heats in the smaller types of boats have already begun.

The final race is held on the second Saturday of August every year after Nehru, moved by the sylvan settings and the sporting spirit of the village rowers, suggested holding the rowing competition annually.

Nehru also sent a glittering trophy for the event with his signature embossed on it.

According to District Collector, P Venugopal, 20 snake boats (chundan vallams) will vie for honours in the 60th edition of the event.

Separate events would be held for smaller types of country craft, including one for women rowers, Venugopal said.