Rowing through the barriers

The backwaters are buzzing — Koovathur, off East Coast Road, is alive with the colourful sight of young rowers from five countries, who are here to compete at the UNIFI Capital ASRA Regatta 2010.

“Around 176 boys and girls from India, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates will compete for the single sculls, double sculls and coxed fours events, in two categories,” affirms Farid Hussain, vice president of the Association of School Rowing in Asia (ASRA).

The atmosphere at the site is vibrant and cheerful as the participants share their culture, even as they showcase the skills of their sport.

It is evident that this is much more than just a rowing competition. “We have cultural programs where the participants show the other competitors the flavours of their respective countries. For instance, we welcomed our guests with a traditional local dance,” says Farid.

Tangibly flowing like the backwaters, was the very visible sporting spirit, as scullers from Pakistan talked about how much they are enjoying their stay here.

“It’s my first trip to India and everybody here is so warm, open and receptive. We all stay at the same hotel and I have made a lot of friends here. The tension across the border does not matter for sportspersons like us. The game is more important than anything else. Apart from that, in Pakistan we do not get such beautiful natural surroundings in which to row, this is a completely new experience,” smiles a delighted 18-year-old Iqla Memon.

The local cuisine is another hot favourite. Mohini Mitra, a rower from Kolkata, confesses to an overpowering wish to run and savour some of the traditional south Indian food whenever she gets time off from rowing. “Both Chennai and West Bengal share the Bay of Bengal, but it is so interesting to find that the rowing scene is completely different and so is the sea food here,” laughs Mohini.

Participants from Sri Lanka say they feel at home and are comparatively comfortable rowing here. Anukshi Submanpal, captain of her school team from Sri Lanka, admits, “I feel like I am in my own country because the culture here is very much the same — except for our accent.” she giggles.

“This competition is a very big one for young rowers like us and we have been practicing in this event for months. Our team is strong but I believe the scullers from Karachi and a few from India are tough competition,” she adds.
This regatta has demonstrated how rowing can transcend boundaries — and eliminate distrust between neighbouring nations.