NORTH EAST REGATTA AT UMIAM LAKE

By Anumita Das

Meghalaya’s pristine Umiam Lake sported a colourful look as boats prepared to sail through serenity at the first ever Northeast Regatta 2023. The recently held five-day racing spectacle had lined up an array of activities along with boat races - concert extravaganza, nature excursions, food and flea markets, camping spots and many more to keep the visitors glued to the Regatta.

The inaugural ceremony held at the Umiam Water Sports Complex set the tone of the event that concluded this month. Highlighting the purpose of the event, Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said,   “Meghalaya aspires to host water sports at the national level in the years to come. An event of this stature will  motivate our young generation to excel in this sport.” He added that the tourism department would soon be introducing a yacht and a lake cruise to accelerate the pace of tourism in Meghalaya.

With the aim of enhancing tourism in the state, the first day of the unique initiative witnessed boats gearing up for the main event. Water  sport  athletes of various categories practiced sailing while the evenings glowed with an electrifying performance of international sensation K-Pop artiste Kim Woojin as the headliner. Delhi-based Twin Strings, Rum & Monkeys, Banrap Lyngdoh, Ricaa Stella and Lynx enthralled fans at the regatta.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed his pleasure at the arrival of water sport athletes from across the country at the boating regatta. As many as 80 participants from over ten states and twelve sailing clubs are said to have joined the Northeast Regatta 2023. “Since no festival is complete without music and food, the spectators and participants of the North East Regatta enjoyed performances of international and local artists and food by the lakeside. Had a good time visiting the stalls.

Four  teams  were tied at the end of the second day and two teams for first place on the third. The final race day witnessed contenders giving their best performances. Telangana sailors Alekhya Coondoo and Pilli   Akhil   bagged gold medals in the 420 Class (mixed category) in the youth and open categories at the regatta. To add to the teams across the country, teams from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and private clubs also actively participated in the event. The first ever Northeast Regatta was held in collaboration with Umiam Sailing Club and Yacht Association of India.