SHILLONG, Nov 2: As part of the Autumn Festival and in an effort to give a boost to the spirit of adventure and water sports in Northeast, the Red Horns Division of the Army under Eastern Command, working in convergence with the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy divers will be organising the Rising Sun Water Fest 2022 at the Umiam Water Sports complex from Thursday to Saturday.
As part of Khelo India, the Indian Army working in tandem with the Government of Meghalaya will be organising the rowing and sailing regatta for the first time at the Umiam Lake. The regatta will witness participation from elite pan-India clubs. Other events such as the local cultural expo, food fest, and art and craft exhibition along with water sports are major attractions. The opening ceremony and day’s event will be held at the Umiam Water Sports Complex on November 3.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Col Gaurav Bhatia, who is overseeing the huge preparations at the Orchid Lake Resort and the Nehru Park, said this event is a maiden effort to introduce and encourage water sports in the region, especially in the Umiam Lake among the people of Meghalaya and the Northeast which has the right distance and climate for sailing, rafting and other water sports.
To launch this mega event – The Rising Sun Water Fest 2022, nearly 200 tons plus worth of equipment have been carted to cater to the needs on the ground. Over 150 participants will be taking part in 13 rowing and 7 sailing clubs, civil clubs and private clubs from across the country.
To host this mega event, a lot of preparations and trial runs including air sorties by the Dhruv-propelled light helicopter (ALH), a light multirole and multi-mission helicopter for the armed force, flying corps, naval force, coastguard and common activities, for both utility and assault were undertaken amidst the cyclone that rocked the region last week. The Sukhoi 30 fighter jets will also be pressed into action to entertain the crowd. This show will demonstrate the dynamic efforts being put in for flight controllers.
Col Bhatia also said that sailing boats have been brought in from across the country for this water sports regatta. “The Umiam Lake has the perfect ecosystem for sailing and other water sports and this has not been exploited to the hilt. This initiative is meant to create a passion for water sports such as sailing, rowing et al in this region which has some of the best water bodies,” Col Bhatia explained.
