CHANDIGARH, NOV 25: The unseasonal rains and the high velocity winds, which lashed the City today, are causing some anxious moments to the organisers as the Bakeman's 18th Senior National Rowing Championship, gets under way at the 2,000 metre four-lane rowing course of the picturesque Sukhna Lake, here tomorrow.

Though the all dominating force in national rowing, the Corps of Engineers, are among the 13 affiliated units of the Rowing Federation of India (RFI) taking part, five other affiliates, including the doyens of Indian rowing -- West Bengal -- have stayed away due to various reasons, the most important being lack of funds. The other absentees are Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Association of Indian Universities. Uttar Pradesh, who confirmed their entry, had not turned up till this evening.

Competitions will be held in four events -- single sculls, doubles sculls, coxless pairs and coxless fours in both men and women categories. Sponsors have introduced a silver trophy and cash prize (Rs 10,000) for the best participant.