Sri Vijaya Puram, June 8: Aspiring rowers from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will get an opportunity to earn a place on the Union Territory team as the Andaman & Nicobar Rowing Association (ANRA) has announced selection trials for the upcoming U-23 National Rowing Championship 2026.
The trials will be conducted at the SAI Water Sports Complex, Sippighat, on June 13 from 6 a.m. onwards. The exercise is aimed at identifying and selecting talented athletes who will represent the islands at the national-level championship scheduled to be held in Pune, Maharashtra, later this month.
According to ANRA, the selected team will participate in the U-23 National Rowing Championship 2026, which is slated to take place from June 24 to June 27. The event is being organized by the Rowing Federation of India in association with the Army Rowing Node, Pune.
Sports officials said the championship is one of the country’s major rowing competitions for young athletes and serves as a platform for emerging rowers to showcase their abilities against competitors from across India.
The upcoming selection trial is expected to attract rowers from different parts of the islands, particularly athletes who have been training at local water sports facilities and participating in regional competitions. The event will provide selectors with an opportunity to assess the technical skills, endurance and competitive readiness of participants before finalizing the UT squad.
Rowing has steadily gained popularity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to the region’s natural water resources and growing sports infrastructure. Over the years, island athletes have represented the Union Territory at various national competitions, contributing to the development of the sport locally.
Officials associated with the association expressed hope that the trials would help identify promising young talent capable of performing at the national level. Participation in national championships not only provides competitive exposure but also opens pathways for athletes seeking advancement in the sport.
Interested candidates have been invited to register for the selection process before the deadline. ANRA has set June 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. as the last date for registration.
Athletes wishing to participate can submit their names to Easudasan, General Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Rowing Association. The association has urged interested rowers to complete their registration within the stipulated time to avoid last-minute complications.
Sports enthusiasts note that the trials come at a time when several sporting disciplines in the islands are witnessing increased participation and institutional support. The opportunity to compete at a national championship is expected to encourage more young athletes to pursue rowing as a competitive sport.
With less than two weeks remaining before the national championship begins, the selection exercise will play a crucial role in determining the composition of the Andaman and Nicobar contingent that will travel to Pune.
The association has encouraged eligible athletes to take part in the trials and represent the islands on a national stage, while continuing efforts to strengthen rowing as a competitive discipline in the Union Territory.
