THE biggest sport in Bangladesh returned to Oxford when teams of rowers raced down the River Thames yesterday afternoon.

Rowers took to the water for the fiercely competitive Bangladeshi Boat Race, cheered on by crowds lining the riverbanks.

The Nowka Bais, as it is called in Bengali, is organised by the Oxford Bangladeshi Boat Club (OBBC) and uses traditional dragon-style boats rowed by teams of four.

Two boats took to the water for each of the paddle-powered heats, and raced from Donnington Bridge up towards the city centre, past the Falcon Sailing and Canoeing Club and a crowd of about 100 spectators.

This was the eighth year that teams have competed in the colourful race, while traditional music played from the banks.

Founded in 2008, the OBBC brings the city’s Bangladeshi community together to take part in sports and activities on the Thames.