Home / Sports / Boat Tug-of-War: Kerala's Ancient Race Gets a Thrilling Twist
Boat Tug-of-War: Kerala's Ancient Race Gets a Thrilling Twist
7 Sep
Summary
- Punnamada Panthers won both Chundan and Iruttukuthy Vallam events.
- Unique format combined traditional boat racing with tug-of-war.
- Event held at Gothuruth, a historic venue for boat races since 1938.
The second season of Red Bull Vallam Vali recently concluded, with Punnamada Panthers claiming victory in both the Chundan Vallam Row Off and the Iruttukuthy Vallam Row Off. This innovative event, held at Gothuruth in North Paravur, adapted Kerala's traditional boat racing into a thrilling tug-of-war format on the Periyar River.
The competition featured four teams: Ashtamadi Acers, Kuttanad Knights, Vembanad Vikings, and Punnamada Panthers. The Chundan Vallam Row Off involved 85 rowers on 100-foot snake boats battling for supremacy, while the Iruttukuthy Vallam Row Off saw 27 rowers engage in a similar contest.
Both disciplines utilized a round-robin format, leading to finals where Punnamada Panthers ultimately triumphed over Vembanad Vikings. The event also highlighted Gothuruth's historical significance in boat racing, a tradition dating back to 1938. Red Bull Vallam Vali successfully blended heritage with modern entertainment, including cultural performances, and was lauded for its innovative approach to preserving Kerala's sporting identity.
