The 36th National Rowing Championship was declared open by Lieutenant General Michael Mathews, Commandant, College of Military Engineering at the Army Rowing Node located at Pune. Two Olympian Rowers Subedar Swaran Singh and Havildar Bokanal Datu, are pitched against each other, hence the Championship promises to be a befitting precursor to the Asian Games-2018. The Championship is witnessing the highest ever participation wherein over 400 rowers from teams of 22 Associations of various states/ organisations including a team each from Army Sports Control Board & Services Sports Control Board will compete against each other from tomorrow to 10th of this month. Rowing Federation of India conducts the National Championship with an overall aim of selecting the Indian Rowing Squad for the forthcoming international events. 409 rowers including 130 female rowers will contest in 200 races over next five days. The event promises nail biting finishes and will be a befitting platform to motivate the youth to focus on elusive Olympic Gold in the sport of Rowing. The event started with opening address about the competition by Mr Girish J Phadnis, Secretary General, Rowing Federation of India. The event also witnessed scintillating and mesmerizing display of Military Band.