A race against time: CBL fans, boat clubs wait for final nod

Kottayam: Tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas's statement on holding the Champions Boat League (CBL) this season has renewed the hopes of boat clubs and boat race lovers, as the indefinite delay in beginning the tournament will put the already cash-strapped boat clubs into deep misery. The minister, during an executive committee meeting of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) Society held in Alappuzha on Friday, said they were seriously examining the possibility of conducting the CBL, which was postponed following the Wayanad tragedy.
The NTBR, which was to be held on Aug 10, was also postponed, leaving the clubs with the tough task of maintaining the team and carrying out trials till the new date is announced.
S M Iqbal, secretary of Boat Clubs Association, said the govt should declare the dates of the CBL at the earliest. "If the start is delayed indefinitely, the clubs will be in deep trouble. It would be ideal if the CBL begins right after the NTBR. The momentum of the NTBR will be carried on to the CBL or else we will have to organise the team again and start trials again, which will require funds," he said.
R K Kurup, president, Kerala Snake Boats and Rowers Association, said it is almost sure that the CBL will be held this season. "The wait is for an official declaration and for the criterion for the teams to take part in the league," he said. He also added that the number of races will be reduced from the existing 12 to eight or nine. Teams participating in CBL will get a bonus of Rs 4 lakh while a boat owner gets Rs 1 lakh for a race, which has been a relief for the teams and boat owners.