Asian Highlights

During recent months FISA has been active in the Asian Region, assisting national rowing federations with their development programmes and lobbying hard for the continued inclusion of rowing in major Continental Games. FISA’s Development Consultant for Asia, Chris Perry reports.

At the end of February, FISA Umpiring Commission member Mike Tanner and I visited Macau, a former Portuguese dependency on the southeast coast of China. Macau will host the East Asian Games in 2005 and a decision will be made next year as to which sports will be included. Meetings were held with members of the organizing committee (MEAGOC) to examine the requirements for rowing to be considered. A survey was also made of possible rowing sites in the region which, like Hong Kong, is now a Special Administrative Region of China.

Since sheltered areas suitable for standard competitive rowing events are extremely limited in Macau, discussions focused on the possibility of holding a 500 meter, sprint-format event. This would allow the use of an established venue, currently used for the Macau International Dragon Boat Races, located close to the city centre and well-suited to the requirements of spectators and media. In the absence of any suitable 2000 meter venue, it was accepted that FISA would consider this proposal if required to improve the chances of inclusion in the 2005 Games.

At the beginning of March, a combined FISA and South East Asian Rowing Federation delegation visited Vietnam. John Boultbee, Chairman of the Competitive Commission, led the group, which also included Nicholas Ee (SIN), Abdul Malik (MAL), Budiman Seitiawan (INA) andmyself. The delegation was hosted by Prof. Hoang Vinh Giang, Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Olympic Committee.

Vietnam will host the South East Asian Games in 2003 and it is hoped that rowing will again be included, building on the outstanding success of the rowing competitions at the 2001 SEA Games in Malaysia. At the same time, FISA is anxious to assist the long-term development of Vietnamese rowing through its Development Programme in the region. Vietnam is blessed with many outstanding natural water resources and a long history of racing in traditional boats.

There are also a growing number of competitive rowers keen to advance their skills and take part in international competition. Lack of experienced coaches and, in particular, difficulties in obtaining good quality racing equipment are areas with which FISA is hoping to assist. The Singapore and Hong Kong Federations have offered assistance in hosting training camps and other activities. Expert help will also be sought to assist in repairing the existing fleet of racing boats, which are in urgent need of attention. Vietnam has already agreed to host the next South East Asian Rowing Championships and a training camp for South East Asian crews.

The South East Asian Rowing Federation (SEARF) is also extremely active in promoting development activities amongst their members and national federations cooperate closely in this regard. Prof. Giang was recently elected to the position of SEARF President and outgoing President, Abdul Malik, was able to hand over a well-organized regional development plan during the stay.

Remaining with the topic of Regional Games, Asian Rowing Federation (ARF) members were delighted to learn this month that Dohar – the host city of the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar – have agreed to maintain rowing in the programme for the Games. Qatar is already in the process of affiliating to FISA, and to the ARF, and it is hoped that crews from Qatar will be seen at regional events in the near future.