The Kerala government will increase the annual grant and prize money for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha [1, 2].
This funding boost aims to support one of the region's most prominent cultural events, ensuring the sustainability of the race and rewarding participating athletes with higher prize purses.
Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh said Sunday that the state government would increase its annual financial assistance for the event to ₹2 crore [1, 2, 3]. The decision follows a formal request by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal to enhance the financial support provided to the competition [1].
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a centerpiece of Kerala's tourism and sporting calendar, drawing thousands of spectators to the backwaters of Alappuzha. By raising the grant to ₹2 crore [1, 2], the government intends to maintain the scale of the event and provide better incentives for the rowing teams.
Minister Vishnunadh said the increase applies to both the general annual grant and the prize money awarded to winners [1, 2]. The funding is expected to assist in the logistical management of the race, and the overall promotion of the event as a key tourist attraction for the state.
“The state government would increase its annual financial assistance for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race to Rs two crore.”
The increase in funding reflects the Kerala government's strategy to leverage traditional sporting events as primary drivers for regional tourism. By boosting the grant to ₹2 crore, the state is not only supporting the athletes but is investing in the cultural infrastructure of Alappuzha to maintain its appeal as a global destination.
