A Star is born! Kollam-based Aroma Chundan steals the show in maiden Nehru Trophy boat race

ALAPPUZHA: Aroma Chundan rowed to glory in the 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Festival in Punnamada Lake. Aroma, of Kollam Paravur Aroma Boat Club, captained by film star Ranjith Sajeev Kochumman, won by a difference of microseconds in the maiden race. While Aroma finished in 04.23.328 minutes, Nadubhagam Chundan, who rowed for Punnamada Boat Club, came second in 04:23.448 minutes. Veeyapuram Chundan, who rowed for Kainakari UBC Fans Club (04:23.778), and Melpadam Chundan, who rowed for Pallathuruthy Boat Club (04.24.015 minutes), won third and fourth places.

Aroma Chundan was the winner in the Champakulam Moolam boat race held this year. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the boat race and hailed the Nehru Trophy boat race as a historic event. Minister M. Liju presided over the function. Minister Ramesh Chennithala flagged off the mass drill. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was the chief guest.

Shivakumar extended Onam greetings to Keralites in Malayalam. Minister P.C. Vishnunath hoisted the flag. MP K.C. Venugopal delivered the keynote address. The boat race souvenir was released by MP Kodikunnil Suresh. MLAs A.D. Thomas, Reji Cherian, District Panchayat President A. Mahendran, Municipal Chairman Molly Jacob and others were present. Collector Shaji V. Nair welcomed the gathering. The boats Niranam Chundan won first place in the losers' final, Thalavadi Chundan won second place in the losers' final, and Ayaparambu Valiya Diwanji won third place in the losers' final.