The 31st Rowing Nationals was worked off at the Diyawanna yesterday and today, at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre. Rowing has moved over to the international-standard 2 kilometre course, which is a test for the rowers, both mentally and physically.
The first two days of Nationals showcased the heats of single sculls, double sculls, cox-less pairs, cox-less four and coxed fours. The oarsmen and oarswomen displayed intense rowing skill with a number of races finishing off closely contested.
The first day’s proceedings started off with the opening ceremony followed by the men’s over 18 pairs with defending champions Army recording their first win, qualifying for the finals directly. In the women’s open semi final, Samaakhya Gajanayake (CRC), Senuri de Silva (MC) and R.A.M Dilhari (SLAF) ended a thrilling race with each oarswoman finishing one second apart.
The second day finished off with the school girl and school boy finals. Hashen Hettigoda (RC) defended a tough battle put up by Suhith Alexander and also his title of the ‘Schoolboy Sculler’, which he won in 2014. Arjun Wickremenayake (STC) finished off with a silver medal.
In the ‘Schoolgirl sculler’ event, Ishara Abbey (LC) bagged a gold finishing off first, followed by Senuri de Silva (MC) and Maedhini de Silva (MC) in second and third place respectively.
The finals of the rest of the boat categories will be held on Saturday, 17th September 2016 at the Diyanwanna Rowing Course.
