Mumbai: Britain`s Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave on Tuesday started his first coaching clinic for over 70 rowers from armed forces and professionals affiliated with rowing clubs in Pune in the planned hill city of Lavasa.
The coaching clinic is the first in a series of activities being planned as a build up to the opening of a full-fledged training facility at Gadle, close to the Dasve town, by the newly set up Steve Redgrave Rowing Academy, a media release said.
Sir Steve started the clinic at the Dasve Lake by imparting technique drills and several training "pieces" in sculls to build speed and endurance.
Through the year, Sir Steve and his team of trainers will conduct a series of training programmes for professional and amateur rowers to develop their skills and enhance their competitive capabilities.
The rowing legend, winner of five successive Olympic gold medals and a nine-time world champion, and his team will look into the key areas of organisation, planning, building and development of the academy structure.
The academy will train students not just on the technical aspects of rowing but also mentor them in areas like regatta preparation, mental and physical conditioning in order to breed well rounded athletes, the release said.
The academy plans to capitalise on the growing popularity of the sport globally and in India.
"It is very exciting to see rowing taking place on the site for the Academy. Lavasa is a wonderful location for this Academy with a spectacular natural setting. I hope to inspire future generations of India rowers which in turn will help the sport of rowing to develop in this beautiful country," said Sir Steve.
