Sports

Oarsmen begin quest for National titles tomorrow

The 20th Rowing Nationals scheduled to get underway at the Beira Lake adjoining the Colombo Rowing Club tomorrow will go on till August 23. The nationals will be conducted by Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARAS).

ARAS Vice President Nihal Silva, said at a press briefing that the Rowing Nationals which began in 1966 had gained popularity in recent years with more clubs taking to the sport. The Nationals held last year proved a tremendous success with an increased participation.

Last year there were over 100 entries and this year the organizers are expecting nearly 175 entries. Global wise too the sport has caught the eye of all water sports enthusiasts and it was given a shot in the arm with the sport being included in the postponed SAF Games which was scheduled to be held this year. Nihal Silva said Sri Lanka were gearing up for the SAF Games last year but unfortunately it was called off. The national team nevertheless participated at the Asian games held in Busan, Korea last year.

There will be ten teams taking part. Colombo Rowing Club, Royal College RC, S. Thomas' RC, University of Colombo RC, University of Moratuwa RC, Sri Lanka Navy, St Joseph's RC, Sri Lanka Army RC, Old Josephians RC and Ananda College RC in the men's category and six teams Colombo RC, University of Colombo RC, University of Moratuwa RC, Sri Lanka Navy, Ladies College RC and Musaeus College RC in the women's category fighting for honours in the junior, intermediate and senior events.

The events to be conducted are sculls, pairs and fours. Last year St Joseph's College and Colombo RC dominated the junior and senior category's while Royal and S. Thomas's College RC shared the honours in the intermediate category. In the ladies category Musaeus College were the overall champions in the intermediate and senior category with Ladies College taking the junior category.

This year in the men's category CRC is expected to dominate the seniors event again with a close fight being expected in the intermediate event between Royal and S. Thomas'. And in the women's category the battle will be between Musaeus and Ladies College. The chief guest at the award ceremony will be Cdr. H.U. Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee.