Age-old British tradition makes waves in Malaysia

The Star: Tuesday 4 April 2006

By TAN EE-LYN

In England, the annual event, which dates back to 1829, draws a massive following worldwide where the two titans of old-world universities pit their skills against each other for pride and glory.

The Cambridge and Oxford teams battling against one another in the age-old challenge in Petaling Jaya recently.

Last year, Oxford managed to fend off Cambridge in the inaugural Malaysian chapter of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.

Twice-winning captain of the Oxford team Izrin Hashim was proud of his team's efforts. “We worked hard and battled fatigue for the title,'' he said. “At the end of it, the results came down to the wire but what matters the most is the fun we all had,” he added. The competition is the highlight of the social calendar of the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia. “The race is a re-enactment of the competitive spirit of their student days,” said Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia President Elizabeth Lee.

Despite losing twice in a row, Cambridge held their spirits high.

“It was a tight race throughout and it was impossible at times to determine who would win it.

“But nonetheless, my team did their best and I am extremely pleased with our efforts. We'll try again next year,” said Cambridge team Captain Kavita Rekhraj.

Held at the Podium and Pond at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, the race saw a congregation of Oxford and Cambridge alumni members.

The winning trophy will be presented to the Oxford team at their annual Oxbridge society dinner later this week at the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel.