Watch: Champions Boat League — Kerala's 400-year-old tradition revamped

In a bid to transform the state's legendary 400-year-old tradition of Vallam Kali (snake boat races) into a world-class sporting event, the tourism officials in Kerala conceived the idea of the Champions Boat League (CBL), on the model of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The initiative was undertaken keeping in mind the increasing flow of domestic and foreign tourists towards Kerala's much-famed backwaters. This year, the CBL made its debut with nine teams going head to head in 12 races across six districts in three months starting in August.

The final race of the league, the President's Trophy Boat Race, was held on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam which saw an exciting photo-finish finale. The Tropical Titans, who have led the standings right from the start, emerged as deserving champions!

A new branding, a new format and even then, the essence of Vallam Kali has not been lost one bit and that is what the video revolves around!