CHENNAI: The Madras Boat Club, one of the city’s premier sporting institutions, on Tuesday announced that in recognition of its 150th year celebration it will host the International Regatta. The races will formally start on July 19 and the finals will take place on July 22.
The International Regatta will be hosted in conjunction with the traditional Madras-Colombo Regatta, an annual race-off between two traditional rivals, which will be held on Friday, July 21st, 2017. International rowers from UK and Europe and top rowers from India will partake in the International Regatta which will ensure superior quality rowing of the premier standards. Speaking at the press conference, MR Ravindra, President of the Madras Boat Club said, “A legacy of 150 years speaks volumes about our enthusiasm and commitment to promoting rowing as a sport among the people of Chennai and keeping the city in the centre stage on the global rowing map. We are excited to host the International regatta which will witness top rowers from UK, Europe and India competing for the competition. Rowing is a complete workout for the mind and the body, besides burning calories and toning muscle it boosts concentration and surges willpower.”
The year 2017 has been exciting at the Madras Boat Club as the club completes 150 years. The celebrations started in January with the 75th ARAE regatta where a record 14 clubs participated making it a very grand success. In February, the club hosted the Chennai Inter School Regatta with active participation from 14 schools. The school regatta witnessed some tremendous competition and talent in the students who represent the future of rowing in our country.
In March, the traditional Mile race was held but renamed as the “Head of the Adyar”. The races were hosted in four rowing categories and Rolling Trophies were instituted in honour of some of our departed members who had contributed to the sport of rowing and the club in a big way. To inculcate rowing as a sport in the minds of the youngsters, the club hosted a summer camp in April. Kids were put through the paces of both rowing technique as well as overall fitness and it was heartening to see the enthusiasm and passion shown by the students.
The Merchants and Bankers Regatta was revived after a hiatus of 12 years and re-christened as the Merchants, Bankers, and Clubs Regatta. The regatta witnessed enthusiastic rowers from 12 companies and city clubs training earnestly in the club. The finals of this regatta was held on June 24 with the rowers from the Madras Gymkhana Club taking the overall trophy.
