Host Colombo wins overall title at 81st Madras-Colombo Regatta
The Indian CEO Forum (ICF) In association with Lanka IOC (LIOC) and Power Tech cement partnered with the Colombo Rowing Club for the Madras-Colombo Regatta’ which is considered to be the oldest regatta in the world between two cities of different countries and was held at the Colombo Rowing Club on November 26.As per the tradition, The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E Gopal Baglay was the chief guest at its 81st edition.
The event and was supported by the Indian CEO forum in Sri Lanka. Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner said that India will continue to row together with Sri Lanka in the race against common challenges and it is but natural for the people of India and the people of Sri Lanka to work together and build bonds.
“The Indian CEO Forum along with two other member companies — Lanka IOC and Power Tech Cement — have come forward to sponsor this exclusive event. This is a great boost for rowing in Sri Lanka, especially at a time the country is trying its level best to regain glory in all aspects,”Said the President of the Rowing Club, Dimuth Gunawardena. “I am extremely thankful to T S Prakash and Kishore Reddy along with Mr Nagaraj who made this happen,” Gunawardena added.
T S Prakash, the president of the ICF said “we are really happy that we associated with this event and member companies are extremely happy that such a partnership was established”.
Kishore Reddy who is the vice president and Chairman membership of the ICF as well as the President of the Sri Lanka India Society said “The madras Colombo Regatta has immense potential to be a permanent feature of the sporting calendar. We will work together with the Colombo Rowing Club to take this to the next level”.
“We are glad to be the sponsors of the event and were not really aware of an event with such history before Kishore Reddy mentioned it” said Manoj Gupta the Managing Director of the Lanka IOC.
Sagala Ratnayake who was the guest of honour and also a past Oarsman who had rowed many times at the venue said “ he is happy to see the partnership between the ICF and the Rowing Club”.
Traditionally, the Madras Boat Club and the Colombo Rowing Club host the Regatta alternatively and this year it was the Colombo Rowing Club’s turn to host the Indian team.“ we are extremely thankful to the Colombo Rowing Club for hosting us and for their great hospitality” said the President of the Madras Boat Club Mr Subramanium.“
The main event of the Regatta is the Men’s boat race which is considered to be the second oldest boat race in the world, second only to the famous Oxford-Cambridge boat race. The events were for men and women over a distance of 1000 metres. The winners of the Men’s event was Colombo and was awarded the prestigious Deepam Trophy while the Adyar Trophy was awarded to the Madras team who were the Women’s champions. The overall champions of the 81st Madras Colombo Regatta was Colombo.