Marine Drive Boat Race

The Marine Drive Boat Race, historically known as the Indira Gandhi Boat Race, is scheduled to take place on October 10, 2026, along the bustling waterfront of Kochi, Kerala. Originally inaugurated in 1989, the event faded into oblivion for decades before being revived by Kerala Tourism as a major fixture on the high-profile Champions Boat League (CBL) roster. The challenging 1.3-kilometer racecourse is laid out on the Kochi Lake (a part of Vembanad Lake), stretching from the Goshree Bridge down to the Marine Drive boat jetty. Known as one of the most grueling tracks in the league due to its shallow depth and lack of undercurrents, the race demands pure physical stamina and synchronized power from the teams of oarsmen. Set against the city's modern skyline and the beautiful promenade, the gala event perfectly blends top-tier competitive sportsmanship with day-long traditional cultural celebrations, drawing thousands of domestic and global tourists.