What you missed at the Kottayam boat race

The Thazhathangady Boat race, that was held on last Sunday had its own special moments. There was that surge of adrenaline, large crowds which started arriving and taking up all the strategic places well before the races began - and then the lure of the snake boats. Here is a look at what you really missed **The nail-biting finish** The snake boats were cutting across the water in full speed, when suddenly, the oarsmen of the Jawahar Thayangari, which won the Nehru Trophy stopped rowing. For a minute, every one was tense as the snake boat came alarmingly next to the Karichal Chundan. Jawahar Thayangari, they, said had jumped lanes – and since they stopped rowing, they did not make it to the finish line. **The mood** You have to be at the venue to really feel the pulse – of the people, of the oarsmen, the height of anticipation which lasts till the end of the race. There were people who could talk endlessly about the history of the race and the reputation of each of the boats. Be it young or old, local or tourist, the rush off adrenaline was contagious. **The winners** Karichal won the chundan category. Meanwhile, in iruttukuthy 'A' grade category, Thuruthithara of Erikad Boat Club, Puthuppalli, won the race. In a neck-to-neck competition in the churulan 'A' grade category, Velangadan of Friends Boat Club, Olassa, defeated Kodimatha Boat, which was rowed by Varambinakam Friends Boat Club. **Promises made** The Thazhathangady Boat race is one of the oldest in the state. Chief Minister Ommen Chandy who inaugurated this year's race promised financial aid for the conduct of the boat race in the future.