The Red Horns Division of the Indian Army and the Assam government on Tuesday announced the highly anticipated second edition of the prestigious event, 'Rising Sun Water Fest – Revisiting Saraighat'. The curtain raiser was held at the Narengi Military Station in Guwahati and featured sailing and rowing by renowned clubs of India.
To make the three-day water sports event exciting and unique, the Red Horns Division revealed that thrilling demonstrations by the special forces and the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be a major highlight for the spectators, Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), Guwahati, Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said.
"The water sports festival is a tribute to the heroic Saraighat Battle, a pivotal historical moment in 1671 when the valiant Ahom forces led by Lachit Borphukan triumphed over the Mughals on the banks of the Brahmaputra. The ceremony commenced with the unveiling of the magnificent trophies that will be awarded to the winners of the sailing and rowing competitions. These trophies represent the pinnacle of achievement in water sports and serve as a symbol of excellence, inspiring young athletes to strive for greatness," Lt Col Rawat said.
Lt Col Rawat said that the organisers are sanguine that the spectators will witness some of the most talented and dedicated athletes from renowned national-level clubs as they compete in both sailing and rowing. These athletes are a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and dedication, motivating aspiring youth to follow in their footsteps and promote these sports.
"We believe that the future of water sports lies in the hands of the youth. Through interactions with seasoned athletes, the event will actively encourage and guide young individuals to take up sailing, rowing and other water-based sports, thus ensuring the legacy of this event and these sports continue to thrive, Lt Col Rawat added.
The three-day festival will be held at Deepor Beel in Guwahati from November 17 to November 20, 2023. The event is not just about sports, it's about celebrating the spirit of competition, inclusivity and the pursuit of excellence while motivating the youth of the country to embrace water sports.
The battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671 on the banks of the Brahmaputra, thwarted an invasion by the Mughal forces under the command of Ramsingh I. Although weaker, the Ahom army defeated the Mughals by guerrilla tactics, psychological warfare, military intelligence and by exploiting the sole weakness of the Mughal forces.