Kolkata, May 10 (IANS) True to expectations, reigning champions Jatragachi Pranabananda High School represented by Rejayan Karim, Gautam Bairagi, Afridi Ali and Rezaul Mollah stormed into the final of the Junior Boys category defeating South Point in the 47th All India Invitation School Regatta at the Lake Club Course in Rabindra Sarovar here on Friday.
In the title clash Jatragachi will meet Tollygunge Adarsha Hindi High School comprised of Binay Kumar Rauth, Pawan Kumar, Ganesh Singh and Suraj Mondal who in the other semi-final beat Kalidhan Institution.
Among last year’s champions, Jatragachi Pranabananda from Rajarhat in North 24 Parganas district is the only team to reach the final this time. Rejayan Karim, the happy captain of the Jatragachi team, commenting on their win said “it is the result of the hard work we put in during regular practice sessions. We are indeed grateful to Lake Club for providing us the opportunities.”
Apart from studies and practice, the Jatragachi boys, who hail from daily labourers’ families, also do part time jobs to help their parents. They are very happy to be able to take part in this unique meet which like many other sports, is acting as a great social leveller. Another team member Gautam Bairagi said “We have not even heard about many of the noted schools of the country participating here. But they congratulate us when we win and we are being treated here like good friends. It is indeed a nice experience for us”, both Bairagi and Karim added.
The title clash in the junior girls section will be between Ashoke Hall and Modern High “A”. In the last four stages on Friday Ashoke Hall in a great effort pipped La Martiniere Girls at the finish after competing neck and neck all through while Modern High “A” easily defeated Mahadevi Birla High school in the other semi-final.
In the senior boys semi-final, favourites South Point beat St. Xaviers without much exertion and set up a title clash with Khalsa High “B” who outrowed Future Hope easily in the other race of the last four stage.
The senior girls semi-final saw Sushila Birla High School beating experienced Modern High “A” and who will now meet G D Birla High School in the final on Saturday. G D Birla got a row against Ballygunge Siksha Sadan in the other semi-final on Friday morning.
–IANS
dm/rkm/bg