From Saurav Borah
GUWAHATI: If things go according to plan, the majestic Umiam Lake could be a potential venue for an aquatic sport like rowing at the 2022 National Games in Meghalaya.
The Rowing Federation of India (RFI) has responded positively to a request by the Meghalaya Aquatics Sports Association (MASA) for affiliation with the parent body following a directive by the state sports department for the same, keeping in perspective the National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya in 2022.
The RFI however said that the association would have to first adhere to a set of guidelines of its constitution for affiliation.
“In addition, they must form an association of persons and get it registered as a society and thereafter, get it recognised by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA). We will be happy to have a rowing association in Meghalaya, where rowing can take place at Barapani (Umiam),” RFI life president, CP Singh Deo, stated in response to the communication.
“We must encourage Meghalaya to go ahead and ask for affiliation during our annual general meeting scheduled during the junior nationals at Bhopal in October this year,” Singh Deo, who is also the life president of Sculling and Rowing Association, Andhra Pradesh, said.
MASA vice-president, E.D.R. Tariang had written to RFI vice-president and general secretary of the Assam Boat Rowing and Racing Association (ABBRA), Nababuddin Ahmed seeking advice for affiliation with the federation.
“I had forwarded the mail by MASA requesting advice for affiliation to the RFI life president and his response has been positive. The association has to adhere to the set of guidelines under Article 6 of the RFI constitution apart from being recognised by MSOA,” Ahmed told The Shillong Times here on Thursday.
“From ABBRA’s side, we can assure full support in regard to training rowers from Meghalaya here,” he said.
According to affiliation rules of RFI, organisations have to make a formal application to the secretary general of the federation, submit a copy of its statutes and a detailed report on activities of clubs it represents and provide details of the membership of its committee and the design and colours of its racing uniform and blades.
Besides, they must give a formal undertaking to observe the statutes and rules of racing, bye-laws and regulations of RFI, undertake to accept as binding and final, the decisions of the competent authorities within RFI, pay an entrance fee, be accepted by a majority of two thirds of persons present and voting at meeting of the council, submit an annual report and communication details.
Expressing optimism, Tariang told this correspondent that he would be personally meeting the RFI vice president in Guwahati shortly for technical advice apart from guidance regarding affiliation.
“We are happy that RFI has responded positively to our request for affiliation and we would certainly take the process forward with aim to include rowing as a discipline at the 2022 National Games,” he said.