Selection trials to identify the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ rowing team for a national-level championship will be held later this month, as preparations begin for the islands’ participation in one of the country’s premier rowing events.
The Andaman and Nicobar Rowing Association has announced that it will conduct a selection trial on December 27, 2025, at the SAI Water Sports Complex in Sippighat. The trials will begin early in the morning from 6 am onwards and are aimed at selecting athletes who will represent the islands at the 43rd Senior National Rowing Championship.
The national championship is scheduled to be held in Pune, Maharashtra, from January 25 to January 30, 2026. The event will be organised and hosted by the Army Rowing Node at the College of Military Engineering, Pune, on behalf of the Rowing Federation of India. The championship is expected to bring together top rowing talent from across the country, making the selection process at the island level a critical step in finalising a competitive contingent.
Officials associated with the Rowing Association indicated that the trials are open to interested and eligible rowers from the islands who aspire to compete at the national stage. The selection exercise is expected to assess athletes on multiple parameters, including technical rowing skills, endurance, coordination and overall physical fitness, in line with national competition standards.
Rowing has gradually emerged as a niche but growing sport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, supported by access to natural water bodies and the availability of basic training infrastructure at locations such as Sippighat. Participation in national championships is seen as an important avenue for exposure, skill development and benchmarking local athletes against competitors from more established rowing centres.
The upcoming trials are also viewed as an opportunity to identify fresh talent while evaluating the performance levels of existing rowers. With the Senior National Rowing Championship serving as a high-intensity competitive platform, selectors are expected to place emphasis on consistency, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure.
Interested candidates have been asked to complete their registration in advance of the trials. Registration details are being coordinated through Easudasan, who has been designated as the contact person for the selection process. The last date for registration has been fixed as December 26, 2025, up to 5 pm, providing athletes a limited window to confirm their participation.
Sports administrators note that timely registration is essential to ensure smooth conduct of the trials and proper scheduling of heats and assessments. Early morning trials are commonly preferred in rowing due to favourable water and wind conditions, which allow for more accurate evaluation of technique and performance.
The selection trials form part of the broader calendar of sports activities aimed at strengthening the islands’ presence in national competitions. Participation in events such as the Senior National Rowing Championship is considered vital for gaining competitive experience and enhancing the profile of rowing within the local sports ecosystem.
With just under a month remaining before the national championship begins, the selection at Sippighat is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final team composition. Athletes selected through the trials will subsequently undergo focused preparation ahead of their departure for Pune.
The Rowing Association’s announcement has generated interest among rowing enthusiasts in the islands, as the trials offer a direct pathway to national representation. As preparations gather pace, attention will be on the selection outcomes and the readiness of the island team to compete at a national level.
