CHENNAI: Bonhomie ruled the roost on the first day of the third edition of UNIFI Capital ASRA Regatta 2011, which saw participation of about 180 rowers from various schools in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India. With few races scheduled on the first day, The Rowing Centre in Koovathur was buzzing with chatter and long gup-shup among players of the Asian countries. A black, red, and blue/green stripe on either side of the half-sleeved T-shirts of the players identified them as Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and Indians, respectively. “We eat, sleep and drink rowing,” said Muzna Akbar, a passionate 14-year-old Pakistani rower. “Our family members were a bit apprehensive of us taking up rowing, they said we’ll become dark while practising outdoors, our palms will be hardened while rowing continuously. But we have managed to stick to the sport because of our love for it.” Sri Lankan players were having a great time bonding with their teammates. But they also mingled with players from across Asia. They made the loudest noise and cheered merrily, when one of their teams overtook a Pakistani group and crossed the finish line. “We hardly miss any practice match back home,” said 17-year-old Sarani Jayawardena, a rower and school student from Sri Lanka. “Rowing depends majorly on team effort, it builds great bonding in the team. When someone is unable to attend a practice, we miss them terribly.” Indian players were mostly in huddles and took time to open up to unknown friends from neighbouring countries. The Rowing Centre appeared as if it was based in Sri Lanka, because participants (43 per cent or 80 students), members and support staff from the country outnumbered the one from the other two participating nations.Despite the history of rivalry between these neighbouring countries, The Rowing Centre gave a perfect example of friendship and hospitality that transcended all known borders. “I like India. The people here have been very good. I lost my race today, but they came forward to console me,” said Kiran Lakhani, a Pakistani rower. For Chennai, every rower gave the standard response, “It’s quite hot here.” So brave the Chennai heat and untimely rainfall and rush to The Rowing Centre in Koovathur where the final is scheduled for today. For details, call 9789900059
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