26 countries ready to row for Admiral's Cup

Kannur: The seventh edition of Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta--the flagship event of Indian Naval Academy – will kickstart at Ettikulam bay in Ezhimala on Wednesday.  Over 50 participants from 26 countries, including hosts India, will take part in the week-long event, competing in 16 races under the category  of Olympic Class Laser Radial Sailing Boat (single crew). India is fielding two teams- INA Ezhimala and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. The regatta will be officially inaugurated by INA Commandant Vice- Admiral Soonil V. Bhokare on Tuesday.

The   foreign countries will send  trainees from their respective naval academies.   INA public relations officer Lieutenant Commander R.G. Ajith said that preparations were  on in full swing for the event. “The participants will reach the academy on Monday. The opening ceremony and training sessions will be held on Tuesday and from Wednesday, the bay will be  open for the competitions.  The regatta will  be  more exciting and challenging with a record number of  countries participating in it,” he said.

“The judging team of the event is led by Abhimanyu S. Patankar,” he added.  The Admiral’s Cup will  be awarded to the best team winning the championship on the basis of their combined performance. In addition, individual medals will also be awarded.  The defending champion is USA and the runners-up is China.

Participating teams

Australia, Bahrain , Bangladesh, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States of America and Venezuela in addition to  India’s INA Ezhimala and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.