The 33rd National Rowing Championship came to close with a new national record being set by the sailors, in the final event, bringing the race right into the final row. The regatta featured over 200 athletes for more than 50 events representing 17 institutions.
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) Rowing crew were awarded champions of Men`s Open Category. SLN conquering the waters of the Diyawanna saw-off a new national record in the men`s open four with a timing of 06mins 18secs. The other two wins for the crew were booked in the men`s open pair and men`s open scull respectively. Sailors went on to clock 07mins 22secs in the men`s open pair and in the men’s open scull bring it home to a timing of 07mins 51secs.
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) crew, recorded a hat-trick win claiming the championships of three categories. The championships for Girl`s Open, Girls Over 18 and Boys Over 18 were awarded to SLA.
The maiden win for the soldiers was scripted in the Boys over 18 double scull with a timing of 07mins 13secs. The second victory came into hand in the women`s open double scull clocking a timing of 08mins 23secs. The third triumph was witnessed in the Girls over 18 pair with a timing of 08mins 03secs.
Photo Album – Sri Lanka Rowing Nationals – Day 3
The final couple of medals were bagged by SLA in the girl`s over 18 double scull and Boys over 18 scull. A timing of 07mins 58secs and 07mins 34secs were recorded respectively.
Ladies’ College (LC) retained their title successfully for another year, winning the U18 Girls Championship with three gold medals. Ladies’ crossed the finish line ahead, booking the top slot in the Girls U18 pair with a timing of 08mins 40secs.
Their second medal was obtained for the Girls U18 double scull, winning the race with a nail biting finish of a second. LC recorded a timing of 08mins 16secs while the runners-up, Colombo Rowing Club clocked in 08mins 17secs. LC brought in their third for the Girls U18 four with a timing of 07mins 54secs.
Coach of Ladies College, Shehan Kannangara, speaking to ThePapare.com said,
“Well we went in with a young team with a little lack of experience, but I was confident that the girls will do well and they did.”
The trophy for Boy`s U18 was clinched by the Reid Avenue lads, Royal College (RC) crew with two gold medals. The initial medal was grabbed when RC went on to win the boys U18 double scull with a timing of 07mins 17secs. The second medal was secured in the boys U18 scull with a timing of 08mins 06secs.
Even though Museaus College did not have the outing they hoped for, Hashini Hettigoda bagged the award for the best school girl sculler while Gavith Cooray of Royal won the award best school boy sculler.
