The Appeal's Committee for Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) on Monday dismissed the plea filed by the runners-up Village Boat Club (VBC), Kainakary, who claimed that winners Karichal Chundan made a false start and their victory should be scrapped.
Karichal Chundan, helmed by Pallathuruthy Boat Club (PBC), have won the championship for the past five years. VBC, who rowed the Veeyapuram Chundan boat, said they will approach the Kerala High Court against the verdict, Manorama News reported.
In the NTBR, VBC lost the title to PBC by a margin of 0.005 seconds. They crossed the finish line in 4.29.79 minutes.
Kumarakom Boat Club (KBC), which finished third on the Nadubhagam Chundan, also complained about the champions' faulty start.
Resolving the dispute
To resolve the issue, the race officials reviewed the video footage of the event last week. Sources said this was the first instance of a complaint against the winner. Following the complaints, the appeal committee also re-examined the event.