Alappuzha: Cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar, who was scheduled to be the chief guest at the 66th edition of Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Punnamada lake on November 10, may not attend it due to his busy schedule.
Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac had said earlier that Sachin would be the chief guest at the race. But sub-collector Krishna Teja said Sachin’s office had informed that he would not be available on November 10 as he has some other programmes.
Those who bought this year’s tickets before the floods can use them to watch the race, Mr Teja said. The NTBR society had earlier released the logo and conducted all the requisite competitions. It also released the signature song and sold the tickets. However, due to the floods, the state government on August 9 put off the boat race that was scheduled to be held on August 11.
The NTBR society, which will organise the regatta without the usual grandeur, will not accept any fresh financial aid from the state government, but find sponsors at the local level.
