CHENNAI: One of the most iconic rowing centres in India, the Madras Boat Club, will be 150 this June. On this occasion the club will host the 75th ARAE Regatta, renowned Inter-club rowing competitions exclusively for amateurs. An event to share details about this competition was held on Friday which was presided by MR Ravindra, president, Madras Boat Club (MBC), KL Thadani, chairman of the 150th committee, A Venkat, former president, James Joseph, captain of boats, and Farid Husain, secretary.
The competition will see teams from other boating clubs in the city and neighbouring States. Speaking about the club Thadani said, “In 1867, a group of water sport enthusiast came together to form the club. It was open to the British then. It was only years later, that it was finally open to Indians.” He also reminisced about the rivers and lack of bridges a few decades ago.
“Cooum River was so clean those days that one could row from Adyar Bridge to Saidapet Bridge. But even with all the bridges in the city, the enthusiasm for rowing hasn’t waned,” he said. Venkat then addressed the gathering and informed the various activities that would be held as part of the Regatta. “There will be 227 races in the span of three and we have over 250 contestants this year. In addition to outdoor rowing, there will be a championship for indoor rowing as well.”
A demonstration of indoor rowing using the ergometer, which mimics the movements of actual rowing, was held by last year’s second runner up, Siddharth Sunil. Talking about his rowing experience he said, “I have been rowing for the past eight years and have been serious about it for five years. This time I’m confident I will win the championship.” The MBC has been helping students to get scholarships abroad through recommendations. “Colleges abroad are willing to give admissions to student who row as they are unaware that rowing is a big sport in India. Besides this we also train theTamil Nadu Police rowing team,” added Ravindra.
In addition to the celebration and the Regatta, the club has started a cock-seat programme, “People need a lot of experience to sit in the boat and row. But with this programme people can actually be there along with a set of trained rowers and enjoy the experience,” said Krishna Mohan, member of the 150th committee.