CHENNAI: If you love rowing, the 147-year-old Madras Boat Club on the banks of the Adyar river has always been the only choice for you. With interest in the sport gaining momentum, a new centre for rowing has come up in the city promising to nurture more talent.
The 600-metre four-lane stretch for rowing at Sri Ramachandra University at Porur has been functional since August 2015. It has already drawn a lot of attention from young rowing enthusiasts in the city.
“The course is beautiful, water is cleaner and the boats are of excellent quality. This undoubtedly is a rower’s paradise, but the small, 700-metre course is the only setback,” says Ahana Balaji, a national-level rower. About 30 young rowers are practising in the new facility on daily.
The officials of Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Sciences Centre’s (SRASSC) and its attached Water Sports Centre (SWSC) say the rowing facility is the first and only full-fledged day/night centre in the country.
“Despite India’s enormous human resource, our sportspersons aren’t able to reach high levels consistently due to lack of scientific training. The facilities at SWSC focus not only on the physical fitness but on the psychological aspects too in grooming the sportspersons,” says Prof S Arumugham, chairman, SWSC.
The rowing centre that’s set to host the 19th sub-junior championship next month, is also affiliated to many state and national associations. Captain of boats, SWSC, Manoj Joseph K said, “The rowing centre is proud to be affiliated to the state and national bodies — TN Amateur Rowing Association and the Rowing Federation of India. The concept of the rowing centre wouldn’t have been possible without their collective support along with the funding from Ramachandra University.”
The sportspersons have access to physiology and biomechanical labs, high altitude chambers, and a sports rehabilitation unit with physiotherapy and hydrotherapy at the rowing centre. “Chennai was destined to add one more rowing centre with a comprehensive on-and-off water facilities that have scientific training solutions for the betterment of the sport. Plans are in place to augment the rowing finesse with events, camps and programmes for both amateur and professionals,” says T Sivasubramanyam, secretary, SWSC.
Fees Rs 600 per month
Fitness & rowing test must for admission
Anybody who is 12 or above can join