CHENNAI: The Madras Boat Club will launch a book, Down by the Adyar, The Story of the Madras Boat Club, which will chronicle its history, dating back to 1860s, on Monday.
The first copy of the book, priced at Rs 700, will be released by British Deputy High Commissioner, Mike Nithavrianakis.
S Muthiah, author of the book, said here on Sunday, it was the first time that such an initiative was being taken by a club in the country. “The Madras Boat Club is the foremost rowing clubs that has produced the best coaches and rowers, including Basu Chandra and M V Sriram,” he said. “The 400-page book has been penned with documents available with the Madras Boat Club,” he stated.
Attributing the growth of sports to club culture, that kick started way back in 1832, he said, each club promoted different games.
The clubs in Madras have promoted promoted various sports for instance, Madras Cricket Club - cricket and hockey; Madras Gymkhana Club - football; and Madras Boat Club - rowing and sailing, he added.
“This book,” he said, “records the stories of the members of Madras Boat Club, their reminiscences, besides carrying old pictures, advertisements and many interesting information.” Though the club was contemplating with such a historical book for some years, a decision to this effect was taken two years ago and the task was given to Muthiah.