Port Blair, Mar 05: The RSC Open Sea Swimming Championship from Ross Island to Aberdeen Jetty was held today. The Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A.K. Singh graced the occasion as chief guest. The event was organized by the Regional Sports Council in collaboration with the Dept. of Sports & Youth Affairs, A&N Administration.
The Lt. Governor was the chief guest of the prize distribution ceremony organized at the culminating point. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Anand Prakash was the guest of honour.
Congratulating the winners, participants and organizers, the Lt. Governor said such events should be organized at regular intervals in the islands. He said “we are blessed that we are staying in the Islands which has a peaceful and serene environment” and this needs to be preserved at all cost.
Turning his attention towards the unfortunate boat tragedy which took place in the Islands, he said the incident could have been prevented. He vehemently stated that the safety of the tourist is of paramount importance and the Administration is trying to make all tourists visiting these Islands feel welcomed, safe and secure. The Lt. Governor called upon the inhabitants of these Islands and the stakeholders to maintain the safety of these Islands. He further added that the Administration is committed and determined to take the Islands forward.
Earlier, the event was flagged off from the historic Ross Island by Director General of Police, Mr. Sudhir Yadav in the presence of Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs, Mr. Rakesh Bali. The Open Sea Swimming Championship witnessed a total of 82 participants of which 72 were men and 10 women.
In the men’s open category, Mr. P.B. Barua of Territorial Army (154 TA) was the winner while Mr. S.K. Raut (154 TA) and Mr. Saw Cheku (154 TA) bagged the second and third position respectively.
Similarly, in the women’s open category, Kum. Naw Polisju (Mayabunder) bagged the first position while Kum. Neelam Madhuri Minj (Garacharma) and Kum. Holika of A&N Police won the second and third position respectively.
In the above 50 years men’s category, renowned sportsperson Mr. S.K. Roy (Bachu) (PAO Account Officer) secured the first position while Mr. Prshish Kumar (Pahad Gaon) and Mr. Mohammed Ali (PWD Assistant Engineer) secured the second and third position respectively.
The winners were awarded with a medal, certificate and cash prize of Rs. 25,000, Rs.15,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively. The participants of the competition were also awarded with a medal, certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 1000 each.
Age was not a barrier for Mr. Nandi, age 74 who completed the event from Ross Island to Aberdeen Jetty and as an encouragement he was awarded a cash prize of Rs.5000 along with a certificate and medal.
Elaborating on the success of this mega event, the Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs, Mr. Rakesh Bali said the safety of the swimmers was of paramount concern. He said lot of effort was put in to ensure this including medical examination, swimming proficiency and briefing. He also expressed his happiness that the event was a success and congratulated the sports persons.
Earlier, the Director, Sports & Youth Affairs, Mr. Lucas Robert welcomed the gathering. The event was witnessed by higher Officers from the Administration, IG Coast Guard, senior officers of A&N Police and people from all walks of life.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Chairman, RSC, Mr. K. Ganeshan.
