Nehru trophy boat race; Collector declares public holiday on Saturday

ALAPPUZHA: The District Collector declared a public holiday in Alappuzha district on Saturday, in connection with the Nehru Trophy boat race. The boat race, scheduled on August 10, was shifted to September 28 in the wake of the Wayanad tragedy.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society (NTBR) executive meeting decided to hold the race on the 28th of this month. The match will start at 2 pm. The boat clubs on Wednesday warned about boycotting the competition if the race is changed from September 28th. The office bearers informed the Alappuzha District Collector about the association's decision.

At least two weeks are required for training. The date for the Nehru Trophy race was fixed on the 28th in the context of other boat races being held till the 26th of Onam. After the clubs intensified their protests, ministers Mohammed Riyas and V N Vasavan promised to conduct the race in September.