The Rising Sun Water Fest-2022 culminated today with a grand Closing Ceremony at Umiam Lake, Meghalaya. The three day water sports and cultural extravaganza held from 03-05 November was first of its kind in the North East and aimed at encouraging the sports loving youth of North East to take up water sports like Rowing and Sailing. It also aimed at promoting tourism in the North East.
It was an initiative by Indian Army’s Eastern Command with the governments of Assam and Meghalaya. Mr Conrad Sangma, Hon’ble CM of Meghalaya set the ball rolling by opening the maiden regatta on 03 November an occasion marked by colourful festivities and cultural performances by renowned artists.
The three day event was witnessed by a large number of viewers, locals as well as out station visitors, who enjoyed keen contest in number of races both in Rowing and Sailing, a novelty in the region. 22 clubs from across the country took part in the event. The Rowing Trophy was won by the DGAR team, securing one gold and one silver medal. The Sailing Trophy was won by Yatching Club of Hyderabad securing three gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
The Chief guest for the closing ceremony was the CM of Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Lieutenant General RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command and many digitaries graced the occasion.
The closing ceremony saw cultural performance by Assamese star Ms Rupali Kashyap who mesmerized the audience. Colourful cultural songs and dance performances by Khasi Drummers showcased the rich cultural heritage of North East. The operational demonstration by Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos who are amongst the best special forces world over was one of the major highlights of the proceedings today.
The CM of Assam felicitated the participants and Clubs for their outstanding performances. He also addressed the august gathering and congratulated the organising committee, participating teams and Lieutenant General RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command for the entire effort and making the event a grand success.
Source:Indian Army
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
