India Shines at Asian Rowing Championship with 10 Medals, Ends 15-Year Drought in Women’s Events

Indian rowers delivered a remarkable performance at the Asian Rowing Championship in Hai Phong, Vietnam, winning a total of 10 medals—three golds, five silvers, and two bronzes. The championship concluded on Sunday and marked one of India’s most successful outings on the continental stage.

A major highlight of the event was the historic silver medal won by Gurbani Kaur and Diljot Kaur in the lightweight women’s pair. This achievement ended a 15-year medal drought for Indian women at the Asian Championship and symbolized a strong resurgence in women’s rowing.

Leading the charge on the men’s side was Paris 2024 Olympian Balraj Panwar, who clinched gold in the men’s single scull, reinforcing his status as one of India’s top rowers. India also secured gold in the men’s quadruple scull through the team of Kulwinder Singh, Navdeep Singh, Satnam Singh, and Jakar Khan, as well as another gold in the lightweight men’s double scull won by Lakshay and Ajay Tyagi.

Among the silver medallists were the men’s eight team, Jaspinder Singh and Salman Khan in men’s double scull, and multiple lightweight men’s teams in four and quadruple scull categories. The women’s eight crew added a bronze to the tally, showcasing depth across categories.

Rowing Federation of India official Balaji Maradapa praised the athletes’ dedication, stating that the results reflect years of hard work and the hope of a billion hearts. He emphasized that India’s 10 podium finishes in 15 events signal a rising trajectory in Asian rowing and lay a strong foundation for the 2026 Asian Games.

Dronacharya awardee Ismail Baig called the women’s silver medal a landmark moment that will inspire future generations of female rowers. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to better infrastructure, training, and international exposure to continue India’s global rise in rowing.