Lucknow:

One of the most awaited events of Lucknow Mahotsava, the boat race, brought much needed adventure to the festival. Organised at Awadh Water Sports Club in Nishatganj on Saturday, the race saw high turnout and enthusiasm from participants.

Every rower wanted to be a champion. Be it single scullers, double scullers or coxless pairs, everyone was eyeing the winner’s trophy.

On cloud nine after being declared the winner of the men’s pair ore race along with his partner Prateek Jaiswal, Prakhar Tiwari said, “This victory became possible due to our coordination which was better than that of others”.

Contestant Varsha Jaiswal said, “This is the first time I am taking part in a water sport at Lucknow Mahotsava. I had only one week practice to be the part of this boat race”.

Events included single sculls, double sculls, pair oars and coxless fours (crew consisting four rowers, each with one oar) covering a distance of 1km.

The most colourful race was of the manjhis (boatmen) who had beautifully decorated boats. The excited bunch was cheering for all their fellow rowers. There were also special prizes for the most beautiful boat and the oldest rower. Dayalu won in the first category and 88-year-old Sunder Lal in the second.

Manjhi Rameshwar bagged the winner’s trophy for being the fastest in this category.

“I have been participating in this festival for four years. In the first year, I didn’t win anything. The year after, I stood third and then second. This time, I am the champion”.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / November 30th, 2014