CHENNAI: A sunny Wednesday morning at Madras Boat Club saw the 75th edition of ARAE-FAERA Regatta, which also marks the 150th year celebration of the club. MR Ravindra, president of the Club, James Joseph, Captain of the Boats the Madras Boat Club, A Venkat, past president of the Madras Boat Club, and Farid Husain, secretary were present at the event, which was inaugurated by Bharat Joshi, British deputy high commissioner.
“The Madras Boat Club has been instrumental in promoting rowing as a sport in India and create awareness to benefit this among school children, kids and corporate houses,” he says. Over the next three days, the club will see competition with 225 participants across India from 14 clubs from Calcutta, Pune, Colombo, Kodaikanal and Chennai.
The FEARA (Far East Amateur Rowing Association) Regatta for Master rowers above 35 years and Super Masters above 55 years of age will also be held simultaneously, over the next four days.
Through regattas like this, the club hopes to promote the sport in the country. “We have been around for 150 years, but the sport hasn’t developed the way it should ideally have,” opines Krishnamohan, a member of the ARAE-FAEARA committee. It is interesting to know that there are 14 Olympic medals for rowing alone. “Given the right training, our chance to win an Olympic medal is an actual possibility.”
As this is the club’s 150th year, we can expect a lot of events in the next six months. Some of them include a rowing competition for corporate houses and in schools. “We will provide the training that is required to compete for two months.
This also helps build camaraderie and is a good team building exercise.”
(The regatta is open to the public, and to witness the action. For registrations mail: secretary@madrasboatclub.com)