In a historic achievement for Indian sports, the Army Rowing Node (ARN) located at the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune has been honored with the prestigious Best Rowing Programme of the Year award by World Rowing, the international governing body for the sport. This marks the first time any Indian club has been nominated for and received this distinguished global recognition.
A Momentous Recognition at Lausanne
The award ceremony took place on Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland, during a gala evening at the Olympic Museum. Colonel R Ramakrishnan, the Commanding Officer of the ARN, received the award on behalf of the node. In his remarks, he expressed pride in this milestone and shared his vision for the future of Indian rowing.
"This is the first time any club has been nominated and won the award," Colonel Ramakrishnan told The Indian Express. "In the years to come, apart from the best programme, I wish to see the award for the best coach and the best crew coming from India. That will be the way ahead for the growth of the sport in India."
World Rowing's Praise for the Pune Facility
The World Rowing website published a glowing tribute to the ARN, describing it as "a beacon of India’s commitment to combining discipline, innovation, and inclusivity in sport." The statement highlighted how the node represents India's premier rowing development center, where military precision meets modern athletic science.
"It is not merely a facility, but a living institution designed to cultivate champions and leaders through the principles of resilience, teamwork, and national pride," the website added.
Excellence in Infrastructure and Training
Established in 2001 under the aegis of the Mission Olympic Wing of the Indian Army, the ARN boasts world-class facilities that set it apart. It features:
- A two-kilometer, man-made rowing channel that meets international standards
- A fully equipped boathouse complex
- Modern facilities for ergometer training, sports science, and athlete recovery
- Supporting infrastructure including a gymnasium, viewers gallery, race control towers, and finishing tower
The channel itself measures 2200 meters in length, 135 meters in width, and 3.5 meters in depth, adhering strictly to international norms for competitive rowing.
A Hub for Athletic Development
Approximately 300 athletes train daily at the ARN, following programs that blend traditional Army discipline with cutting-edge sports periodization and performance methodology. This dual approach ensures athletes develop not only physical capabilities but also mental resilience and spiritual strength.
The Indian Army celebrated this achievement on social media, posting on X: "Army Rowing Node (ARN), Pune, has been awarded the Best Rowing Club Program by World Rowing, emerging as the world’s finest. Awarded at Lausanne, Switzerland, this historic honour reflects the unrelenting discipline, commitment and teamwork of ARN, Mission Olympics Wing and CME, Pune."
Legacy of Success and Future Aspirations
Since its inception, the ARN has been instrumental in developing India's top rowing talent. The node has produced:
- All of India's Olympians in rowing
- Numerous medal winners at international competitions
- Dominant performers in national rowing events
As India's only man-made rowing channel with international standards, the ARN continues to train Indian rowing teams for participation in various national and international events worldwide. This award not only recognizes past achievements but also sets the stage for future excellence in Indian rowing.
The recognition from World Rowing validates India's growing capabilities in sports infrastructure and training methodology, particularly within military institutions that combine discipline with modern athletic science.
