Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday hosted the inaugural function of the first-ever Coastal Rowing National Coaching Camp at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, bringing together national-level rowers and coaches from across the country ahead of an upcoming international championship in Thailand.
The camp is being organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), STC Sri Vijaya Puram, with support from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration in coordination with the Rowing Federation of India and the Andaman and Nicobar Rowing Association.
Officials said the camp is intended to provide intensive training and preparation for Indian athletes participating in the forthcoming Asian Beach Sprint Championship scheduled to be held in Pattaya, Thailand, from June 1 to June 8.
The inauguration ceremony at Corbyn’s Cove Beach was attended by sports officials, athletes and representatives of rowing bodies associated with the national camp.
Aditya Sangotra, Director (Sports and Education), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, inaugurated the event as chief guest and appreciated the efforts of SAI, the Rowing Federation of India and the Administration in promoting coastal rowing activities in the Islands.
During the programme, he stressed the importance of developing sporting excellence among youth and encouraged participating athletes to pursue international-level performance with discipline and dedication.
Officials stated that the camp assumes significance as coastal rowing continues to gain prominence as a competitive sporting discipline internationally, especially in beach sprint events and endurance-based water competitions.
A special interaction session between the national campers and dignitaries was also organised during the inaugural event, where athletes received encouragement and motivational guidance from officials and sports administrators.
The ceremony additionally featured a symbolic oars handover by the chief guest to participants, followed by a live demonstration of coastal rowing competition techniques at Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
Organisers said the demonstration showcased the preparedness, training standards and technical skills of the participating athletes ahead of the international championship.
Mohammed Sadique, Centre In-charge of SAI STC Sri Vijaya Puram, presented an overview of the camp and highlighted that it was the first Coastal Rowing National Coaching Camp to be hosted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to officials, the camp has brought together rowers and coaches from different parts of the country for specialised coastal rowing training under national-level supervision.
G Bhaskar, President of the Andaman and Nicobar Rowing Association, also appreciated the efforts undertaken to develop coastal rowing infrastructure and sporting opportunities in the Islands.
The programme was attended by Amrita Minj, an international athlete and SAI athlete who is also part of the national coaching camp. Officials said her participation reflected the competitive standards and national significance of the training programme.
The welcome address during the inaugural ceremony was delivered by V Ranjith Kumar, Assistant Director (Sports/Physical Education), Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The selection of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as host venue for the camp is also being seen as recognition of the region’s growing potential for water sports and coastal sporting activities.
With extensive coastlines and favourable marine conditions, officials believe the Islands could emerge as an important destination for rowing, sailing and other ocean-based sports disciplines in the coming years.
The ongoing camp at Corbyn’s Cove is expected to continue with intensive practice sessions and technical training modules before the Indian contingent departs for Thailand for the Asian Beach Sprint Championship next month.
