The 29th Sri Lanka National Rowing Championships got underway at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre yesterday.
Under hot dry conditions, crews set out on the waters of the Diyawanna Lake, as qualifying races were worked off for the Fours and Double Scull events. This is only the second time that this regatta is being held at this location, and the spectator friendly arrangement of the course made for viewing of some very good races. Unlike most regattas, the Nationals are raced on a 2km course, demanding much higher levels of fitness and tactical nuance from its competitors.
Fifteen institutions have entered crews for the various events in the Men’s and Women’s categories, resulting in 22 races being held today in the first qualifying phase. Navy and Air force impressed in the Men’s over 18 fours while Royal College and Ananda College won the semi finals of the Under 18 event. In the Double Scull event, Air Force and Colombo Rowing Club recorded the best times for the Men’s category while Bishops College and Ladies College led the women.
The qualifying rounds will continue tomorrow, as the Sculls and Pair events are worked off, while the Finals will be held on Saturday.
