Gorakhpur, June 16
In view of the splendid success of the rowing competition held under the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) and with an aim to organize international-level rowing competitions in the heart of Gorakhpur, the Yogi government will soon establish Ramgarh Taal as the crucial venue for organizing rowing national camps in the state.
As per reports, rowing players from all over the country will also receive training at the training academy to be set up at Ramgarh Taal to hone their talents and skills in order to perform better at the national and international competitions. As many as 20 boats of different categories, according to the requirements of competitions, are being imported from Germany for the training of rowing players in Ramgarh Taal.
It is worth mentioning here that the State Sports Department organised the rowing competition at Ramgarh Taal as part of KIUG under the guidance of the Chief Minister.
Rowing competitions had never taken place before in the KIUG so when Uttar Pradesh got the opportunity to host it, Additional Chief Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare, Dr. Navneet Sehgal included rowing also into the list of sporting events played there. In accordance with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision, he had already selected Ramgarh Taal and Gorakhpur’s Water Sports Complex for this purpose.
The Yogi government has built a world-class Water Sports Complex near the lake (taal) at a cost of Rs 45 crore precisely with the aim of hosting national and international water sports competitions here and promoting the participation of local youth in this direction.
The rowing competition of the KIUG, held from 27th to 31st May, has established the utility of Ramgarh Taal for water sports. Athletes from various universities across the country, their coaches, and officials from the Rowing Federation of India were very impressed by the venue for water sports and even wondered why it did not attract notice despite being crucial for the entire North India.
Notably, everyone agreed that national and international competitions can reach new heights here. Moreover, the top officials of the Rowing Federation of India have expressed their desire to establish a national camp and training academy for rowing at Ramgarh Taal. Taking note of this, the state government has also taken steps towards establishing a national camp.
Additional Chief Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare, Dr. Navneet Sehgal, has stated that in collaboration with the federation, a national camp for rowing will be organized at the Ramgarh Taal Water Sports Complex for which the preparations have already begun.
A rowing nursery to be established in Gorakhpur, registration and training begun
According to Regional Sports Officer Ale Haider, a rowing nursery will be set up in Gorakhpur. A coach has been appointed for rowing training, and the registration of youths is underway. Currently, 10 youths have enrolled in the training program so far. They are being provided swimming and physical training to make them mentally and physically strong.
Additionally, an order has been issued to import 20 boats costing between Rs 10 to 20 lakh from Germany. In accordance with the government’s vision and international competitions, boats for every category of rowing competition are being procured. The boats will start arriving after July 15, and proper practical training for the registered youth in rowing will begin.
Ramgarh Taal will be a great venue for international competitions
The top officials of the Rowing Federation of India also acknowledged the potential of Ramgarh Taal, during the rowing competition held during the last week of May as part of the Khelo India University Games. The water sports complex, constructed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with its vast expanse of the lake (taal), has international-level rrangements.
Along with the infrastructure, connectivity is also very good with an international airport in Kushinagar located 50 kilometers away from Ramgarh Taal. Foreign athletes can directly reach the venue. With this, the possibility of hosting international rowing competitions in Ramgarh Taal also increases.
