Four rowers to Doha

By Harry Jayachandra

A four member rowing team will leave for Qatar on Thursday for the Asian Games. Coach of the Lankan team Lakmal Wickremage told The Sunday Times that they would be trying for a bronze in the two events the Lankans are competing in.

“H. M. Amaradasa and J. A. K. Chandana are both from the Navy and have had previous experience on the big stage. Guyan Jayaratne is an 18 year old schoolboy with loads of talent. He has competed in the Junior Asian Games. We are taking part in two events namely the Light Race Double and Single Scull. The timings during practice has been good. Basically it will depend on how we fare on the given day,” said Wickremage.

Meanwhile the year end regatta for Colombo Rowing Club members, will be worked off on the Beira come December 9. Club Captain Chanaka Wickremasooriya said that entries were still open for the Harry Creasy trophy, the Ladies Plate and the Colvin Sirimanne trophy. This Championship is the culmination of seven regattas held during the year and is for CRC members only. As opposed to what happened to the Royal – Thomian, the lake is open for teams to practice.

Tradition plays a big part in rowing and as such the Chief Guest will be the current president of the Colombo Rowing Club. Since this is the final event of the year a large crowd of competitors and spectators alike are expected.