Shillong, April 2: The Umiam Sailing Club (USC) and UDAY for Sailors Foundation in association with the Yachting Association of India (YAI), kicked off the 2nd North-East Regatta 2024 at an opening ceremony held today at the Umiam Sailing Club, Orchid Lake Resort, Watersports Complex, Shillong.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Donald. P. Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Shri L.R. Bishnoi, Director General of Police, Lt. General TSA Narayanan (Retd.).
Vice President, YAI, Shri Robert Lyngdoh, Member Secretary, Umiam Sailing Club, Col. Alok Yadav, Technical Director, 2nd North-East Regatta, Comde. Amit Shrivastav, HSG, YAI, Smti. A. M. Tariang, Chief Financial Officer, Meghalayan Age Limited, Shri Rajesh Chaudhary, Arjuna Awardee amongst others.
In his remarks as the Chief Guest, Shri D.P. Wahlang expressed excitement that the regatta is recognized as a national ranking event and thanked the Army officials for providing necessary support for the competition given the presence of Arjuna awardee Rajesh Chowdhury which will boost and encourage the young competitors taking part in the competition.
He informed that the state government created the club under the tourism department with a view of not only organizing sailing competitions, but also eyeing the opportunity of branding the state as a tourist destination.
Member Secretary, USC, Robert Lyngdoh informed that the event has about a hundred participants who have registered for this regatta from fifteen different clubs across the country.
Vice President Yachting Association of India (YAI), TSA Narayana said that the association plans to take the sports to the district taluk level as per the sports code.
The 2nd North-East Regatta 2024, to be held till 6th April 2024, drawing on the momentum generated by the first edition, promises to be an even bigger and more exciting event featuring more than 100 participants from across the country with 106 participants from 17 clubs, across 10 classes are participating in Regatta.
With the scenic backdrop of the Umiam Lake and the support of local communities and the government, the event is poised to be a celebration of athleticism, sportsmanship, and the spirit of adventure.
