?Upper Lake right spot for international rowing?
DRONACHARYA AWARD recipient Ismail Baig feels that the Upper Lake has potential to play host to international rowing events. Talking to the Hindustan Times, the national rowing team coach spoke about various aspects of rowing in the country. Baig arrived in the City as an official of the National Rowing Championship ? beginning at the Upper Lake from January 17.
DRONACHARYA AWARD recipient Ismail Baig feels that the Upper Lake has potential to play host to international rowing events. Talking to the Hindustan Times, the national rowing team coach spoke about various aspects of rowing in the country. Baig arrived in the City as an official of the National Rowing Championship — beginning at the Upper Lake from January 17.
The country has immense potential in games other than hockey and athletics. Indian rowers had won two silver medals in the recently concluded Doha Asian Games. Ismail Baig was the coach of the team.
Ismail felt that rowing has emerged as an important game at the national and international-level. “Our rowers are performing well. The need is to maintain the rhythm,” said Baig. However, when asked about the prospects in Olympics, he said it was too early to comment.
Being a coach, he feels coaching plays an important role in players’ performance. However, he is not in the favour of giving full-fledged role to foreign coaches. “ There is nothing wrong in inviting foreign coaches. But their role should be that of an advisor and should work in coordination with the Indian coaches,” he suggested.
Ismail, one of the most senior rowing coaches, however suggested that infrastructure of water sports needs improvement. “To popularise rowing among youths, government support alone is not enough. Proper support from the private sector is also needed,” he opined.
National rowing from today
THE 27th Open and 11th Sprint National Rowing Championship will be organised at Water Sports Centre, Upper Lake, from January 17. The championship is being by organised by State Sports and Youth Welfare Department. According to the Sports Department press release, Director General of Police A R Pawar will be the chief guest of the opening ceremony at 4.30 pm. State Election Commissioner A V Singh will preside over the function. Principal Secretary Sports Ranjana Chaudhary will be the guest of honour.
MP Rowing Association hopes to win medals
MP ROWING Association is hoping to win a few medals in the national championship. “We have good players and we hope they will win medals,” said Vinod Gogia, secretary of MP Rowing Association. The championship is being organised by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department in association with the State Rowing Association.
