Rajmata Express from Jaukatadia emerged as the winner of the ninth annual Champupara boat race competition held on the Kolohi River in Assam’s Kamrup district, drawing thousands of spectators to the traditional sporting event.
Organised by the Champupara Yuva Sangha under the Samaria Assembly constituency, the two-day competition brought together 13 racing boats from different parts of Assam. The event attracted large crowds, with people gathering along both banks of the river to watch the races.
Sahina Express finished second in the competition, while Ma Haowa Express and Allah Bharosa Express secured the third and fourth positions respectively.
Samaria MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed attended the final and appreciated the organisers for their efforts to preserve Assam’s traditional boat racing culture. He called for such competitions to be organised not only in different parts of Assam but also at the Northeast and national levels to promote the traditional sport and help pass it on to future generations.
The winning Rajmata Express team received a cash prize of Rs 77,777 and a trophy. The second-placed Sahina Express was awarded Rs 55,555 and a trophy. Ma Haowa Express and Allah Bharosa Express received Rs 22,222 and Rs 11,111 respectively, along with trophies.
The competition also brought together officials from the local administration and police. Boko-Chaygaon Co-District Superintendent of Police Jankishore Gogoi, Goroimari Revenue Circle Officer Kashyabi Kashyap, and police personnel from Boko, Goroimari and Jorshimuli were present at the event.
Adequate security arrangements were made to manage the large gathering and ensure the smooth conduct of the races.