100TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP TO KOLKATA
2nd INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP REGATTA
AT RABINDRA SARVOVAR KOLKATA
20th -26th NOVEMBER 2023
It had been fifteen years since the first International Friendship Regatta at Calcutta RC, but as we said our goodbyes, the departing members of London RC, Molesey BC, Southampton RC, Victoria Lake RC and Aukland RC all felt that it had been well worth the wait.
As a rowing competition, the event provided some exciting racing at Squad, Masters and Veteran levels. CRC has a 600m course on a lake surrounded by a park in central Kolkata. There were a number of tight races in both the club representative events and the Masala categories. Each club had its heroes, including CRC with its very popular win in the Squad single sculls by Bobby. The Masala races were particularly enjoyable as they provided the opportunity for rowers from different clubs to row together. As the regatta closed, there was a series of fun events including impressive balancing of a single scull by CRC juniors, rowing blindfolded around an island and rowing backwards, which is harder than it sounds.
Although the competition was intense, friendships developed very quickly. We all had a common interest in rowing, but more significantly our hosts created an atmosphere of warmth and fun in which conversations and laughter flourished. The visitors all felt lucky to be participating and wanted to seize the opportunity to the full.
Overlooking the lake, a row of ergs had been set up. This was the scene of an intense and noisy 4 x 500m relay race with LRC being pushed hard by Auckland. At other times it provided a serene venue for warming up or training. Another often noisy place was the club’s swimming pool. This featured water polo and other more ad hoc games.
During the week, Stu and Elizabeth organised some coaching of CRC juniors and children from the Hope Foundation. This was a very rewarding experience. The children were very enthusiastic and charmed everyone.
The programme also gave time for us to see aspects of Kolkata. We were immediately struck by the unique style of driving on the roads. At first, we watched the drifting from lane to lane without signalling and the battling for priority with much apprehension. We soon realised that our drivers were highly skilled. We came to enjoy the exciting experience of being in a real-life video game, amplified by constant use of car horns!
It was fascinating to visit the prestigious heritage clubs of Kolkata in addition to CRC. We appreciated the history and tradition of these institutions. We were treated to delicious curry lunches and dinners, which enhanced our stamina for the many races of the regatta. Our visits to the Royal Turf Club and Calcutta Ladies Golf Club were particularly memorable. The former because of its impressive position on the racecourse in the vast parkland in the centre of the city and the latter because of the delightful lunch in its secluded garden hosted by Dr. Shashi Panja, a minister in the government of West Bengal, and the club’s Captain.
We were also able to go shopping in the New Market and visit other locations including Mother Teresa’s house, Eden Park, the Victoria Memorial and the Botanical Gardens. Some younger members of our party even managed to sample the exciting nightlife of the city. On the final day of our trip some of us went to the Birla Temple and were anointed at the shrine dedicated to Durga. This was very fitting as our visit to CRC had been flagged-off at the Durga Parade on the Thames in October.
Our accommodation at the Vivanta Kolkata hotel was very comfortable. We enjoyed its delicious breakfasts before departing to CRC each morning.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the regatta were impressive. A large stage had been erected on the lawn of CRC. We were honoured by the attendance of many dignitaries. At the closing ceremony prizes were awarded by the Mayor of Kolkata, Mr. Firhad Hakim, Lt. Gen. Kalita, GOC of India’s Eastern Command and Andrew Flemming, British Deputy High Commissioner. We witnessed the warm protocols of welcome, which included elaborate gift-giving, before the medal ceremony. The evening ended with dancing to a live band. One squad member from Auckland RC took to the stage to give us a very powerful rendition of a Taylor Swift hit that was truly unforgettable!
The event would not have been possible without the hard work over many months of the Hon. Secretary of CRC, Mr. Chandan Roy Choudhury. He thought of every detail during our stay and was frequently making minute-by-minute arrangements. He maintained his very cheerful disposition in spite of the pressure that he must sometimes have felt looking after 60 overseas visitors and distinguished local guests.
We are also grateful to the President of CRC, its other committee members and Mr. Richard Twining, who welcomed us and supported the organisation of the regatta.
We departed with a deep sense of gratitude for the hospitality we had received. It was a unique experience that renewed the historic links between LRC and CRC and made new friendships with the other clubs involved.
Andrew Boyle
Honorary Secretary, London Rowing Club
