Cochin Queens Crowned Champions at ASMITA Rowing League; Hyderabad Leads in U-19
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Synopsis
Cochin Queens have triumphed in the inaugural ASMITA Rowing League, while Hyderabad Queens excelled in the U-19 category. The event featured fierce competition among eight teams, showcasing young female rowers' talents and determination.
Key Takeaways
- Cochin Queens won the overall championship with six golds.
- Hyderabad Queens claimed the U-19 title.
- The event had a total of 20 competitions across two age groups.
- Prominent dignitaries attended the award ceremony.
- Cash prizes were awarded to top finishers.
Hyderabad, March 2 (NationPress) Cochin Queens have claimed the title of overall champions in the first-ever ASMITA Rowing League held at Hussain Sagar Lake. The Kerala team secured an impressive tally of six gold medals, two silver, and a bronze, topping the overall standings. The local favorites, Hyderabad Queens, followed closely with four golds and a bronze, finishing in second place.
This tournament was co-organized by the Rowing Federation of India and the Khelo India mission from the Union Sports Ministry, featuring eight teams competing in 20 events across two main age groups: Under-19 and Under-23. Cochin Queens excelled in four of the five events in the U-23 category, while Hyderabad Queens triumphed in the U-19 division with three victories out of five.
This league marked a significant milestone as the first rowing competition in India to name teams after cities. Other participating teams included Chennai Ranis, Deccan Queen Pune, Bhopal Waves Queen, Cuttack Rowing, Ludhiana Team Rowing, and Kolkata R-Oars.
“It was an incredible experience. I am thrilled that my team won the inaugural ASMITA Rowing League trophy. The event was even more special for me as I also won my event – the coxless fours. Having previously represented Kerala at the Nationals, this experience felt different. I was more excited, and the team spirit was fantastic. This event fills the gap in our rowing calendar for competitive races. I extend my gratitude to SAI and the Rowing Federation for this initiative,” shared Varsha KB, who represented India at the Hangzhou Asian Games, in a statement to SAI Media.
The picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake was the backdrop for the event, which began on February 26, attracting 200 young female rowers from across the nation showcasing their endurance, skills, and determination.
In the U-23 category, Cochin Queens’ Amrita Minj triumphed in the single sculls event over a distance of 1000 meters, defeating Cuttack Queens with a time of 4 minutes 15 seconds. The duo from Kerala, Vijinamol B and Aleena Anto, continued the golden streak by winning the coxless pairs event against Cuttack Queens, finishing in 4 minutes 7 seconds. The double sculls title went to Hyderabad’s Priya Devi and Tendenthol Devi, who outperformed Bhopal Queens.
The Cochin Queens quartet of Haripriya Vinesh, Amrita Minj, Saniya J Krishnan, and Aswani Kumaran secured their third gold in the quadruple sculls with a time of 03:42, beating Hyderabad. The Asian Games pair of Varsha KB and Aswathi PB, along with Vijinamol B and Meenakshy VS, ensured Cochin’s overall victory by winning the coxless fours event against Cuttack Queens with a time of 03:50.
In the U-19 section, the Hyderabad team emerged victorious, winning three out of five events to secure the title. They claimed victories in the single sculls, double sculls, and quadruple sculls events, while the Cochin Queens took home the titles in both the coxless pairs and coxless fours events.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Col. V.S. Ganesh Kumar (Officer Commanding, Water Sports Center, Artillery Center Golconda), Mr. Malla Reddy (Secretary, Telangana Olympic Association), Mr. Satish Goud (Treasurer, Telangana Rowing Association), and Mr. Chandra Reddy (Deputy Director, Sports Authority of Telangana).
The presence of Dronacharya awardee coach Ismail Baig, along with six Arjuna awardees and several Olympians, elevated the event's profile. Attractive cash prizes were awarded to the top six finishers in each event.
Final results:
Under-23: Single Sculls (W1x) - Cochin Queens (Amrita Minj) defeated Cuttack Queens; Coxless Pairs (W2) - Cochin Queens (Vijinamol B, Aleena Anto) defeated Cuttack Queens; Double Sculls (W2x) - Hyderabad Queens (Priya Devi, H Tendenthol Devi) defeated Bhopal Queens; Quadruple Sculls (W4x) - Cochin Queens defeated Hyderabad Queens (Haripriya Vinesh, Amrita Minj, Saniya J Krishnan, Aswani Kumaran); Coxless Fours (W4) - Cochin Queens (Vijinamol B, Varsha KB, Aswathi PB, Meenakshy VS) defeated Cuttack Queens.
Under-19: Single Sculls (W1x) - Hyderabad Queens (Suman Devi) defeated Bhopal Queens; Coxless Pairs (W2) - Cochin Queens (Sruthimol Biju, Amala Rose) defeated Chennai Ranis; Double Sculls (W2x) - Hyderabad Queens (Naina, H Malemyaima) defeated Cuttack Queens; Quadruple Sculls - Hyderabad Queens (H Malemyaima, A Mahalaxmi, Naina, Suman Devi) defeated Cochin Queens; Coxless Fours (W4) - Cochin Queens (Sruthimol Biju, Vismaya Bipin, Trisna Anil Kumar, Amala Rose) defeated Chennai Ranis.
