Indian rowers shine; MBC rules ‘Super’

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—Living up to their lofty billing, teams from India made their presence felt in the first Paoay International Regatta that ended yesterday at  scenic Paoay Lake.

In an impressive show of force, CME Rowing Club from Pune, India captured the prestigious Hooghly Cup with 23 points, edging another Indian team from Madras. The Lake Club Kolta wound up third in the three-day event that lured more than 100 rowers from six countries.

Rounding out the Top 5 were Colombo (16), Karachi Boat Club (12) and Easter Rowing Club of Singapore (8).

Madras redeemed itself in the women’s division dubbed the Adyar Cup, where it collected 28 points to nip CME (23). Karachi Boat Club from Pakistan ended up third with 18 points.

Not to be outdone, Manila Boat Club showed its might in the Super Masters Championship, where it bested Lake Club and Bengal.

MBC ruled the two races in the Super Masters—the men’s doubles and the mixed doubles sculls for a perfect 20 points.

But Manila fell short in the VC Bath Interport Trophy, losing out to Bengal by a point.

Bengal tallied 22 points after topping the doubles and claiming third-place finishes in the fours and singles.

Madras also reigned supreme in the coxed fours and the doubles to fuel its title bid for the Adyar Cup.

The CME rowers ruled the men’s doubles sculls and took the silver in the coxless pairs on their way to collecting 23 points.

Madras actually topped the coxed fours for 12 points, but it wasn’t enough as they finished tied for third in the men’s doubles with Lake Club.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos expressed delight at the conduct of the event, which also served as the 71st staging of the ARAE-FEARA international event.

Marcos said the event augured well for the sports tourism effort of the province and expressed hopes that similar activities are held here in the future.

“This is a big event for us because Paoay Lake is largely undiscovered. It’s a legendary lake,” said Marcos. “We’re delighted that the event brought life back into the lake. We’re hoping that this becomes a premiere rowing destination in the country.”

Manila Boat Club president Quintin Pastrana, who is also general secretary of the Philippine Rowing Association, said the location of the lake will be crucial in their effort to promote the sport and discover new talents for the national team.