ALAPPUZHA: In a pulsating final, Payippadan snake boat rowed by Pallathuruthy Boat Club lifted the coveted silver trophy signed by the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru at Punnamada in Alappuzha on Saturday. The Pallathuruthy Boat Club captained by Jameskutty Jacob finished first in the race defeating three snakeboats. Mahadevikkadu Kattil Thekkethil rowed by the members of Kerala Police came second in position. Ayaparambu Pandi of United Boat Club, Kainakary ended up in the third position and Chambakulam rowed by NCDC Boat Club finished fourth position.The Pallathuruthy Boat Club members said they thanked all the people, who had supported for winning this prestigious trophy.In the exhibitory race of snake boats, Madhav Valsan Vadakke Attupuram rowed by Friends Boat Club, Punnamada reached first.Earlier, Governor P Sathasivam inaugurated the boat race. ISL team of Kerala Blasters, famous South Indian actor Allu Arjun and his wife Sneha Reddy enthralled the boat race buffs as the special guests of the event.Speaking on the occasion, Allu Arjun thanked the organisers of Nehru regatta, the state government and Kerala people for inviting him as the special guest of the event. "It is wonderful to share the stage with Kerala Governor and Kerala ministers,’’ he said. He also wished success to all the teams competing in the boat race.As many as 81 boats including 25 snake boats took part in the event. The entire viewers were covered under insurance by the organizers. Around 2086 police personnel were deployed, and CCTV cameras were set up in various parts of the race-course and major parts of the town. Medical team and excise squads were also active. The state water transport department operated special boats for the audience. The Fire and Rescue team include scuba divers were deployed in the race course areas.

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