Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Prize money delay leaves clubs stranded

Alappuzha: A week after the conclusion of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, winning clubs and participants are yet to receive their prize money and bonuses, leaving organisers facing intense criticism and local teams in financial distress.

Many of the participating clubs, having borrowed heavily to cover the substantial costs of taking part in the prestigious event, have expressed growing anxiety over the unpaid funds. Traditionally, cheque disbursements are made immediately after the race, or within two to three days at the most.

This year’s event took place on August 22, following announcements of a considerable increase in prize purses. The reward for the winning Chundan Vallam (snake boat) was raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh, with second and third-place finishers promised ₹20 lakh and ₹15 lakh respectively.

In addition, participating boats were each entitled to a bonus of ₹8.25 lakh, which remains unpaid. A promised government grant of ₹2 crore has also failed to materialise. Historically, funds are transferred to the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) before being disbursed to the clubs, but that process has ground to a halt.

RDO staff report receiving daily enquiries from anxious club officials, but say they remain powerless to act without the release of funds.

However, J. Mobi, the RDO and Secretary of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) Society, expressed confidence that payments would be processed within a week. He explained that the delay was due to the additional time required to calculate and document the exact prize money and bonuses for each participating boat.

Pressure mounts over transparent accounting

The delay has rekindled longstanding concerns over the governance and financial transparency of the regatta. Local enthusiasts and stakeholders are watching closely to see whether a full set of accounts will be published in a timely manner this year.

Historically, official accounts are presented nearly a year late—often just days before the following year’s race begins—a practice critics say leaves little room for proper auditing or document verification. Previous events have not been without controversy; last year, funds were drawn for a souvenir publication that was never released, while this year’s race was marred by reports of widespread black-market ticket sales, the official revenues from which have yet to be disclosed.

With scrutiny mounting, all eyes remain on the NTBR Society to deliver both the delayed funds and a transparent financial accounting.