The 43rd National Rowing Championships, held in Pune from January 27 to 31, witnessed a spectacular display of talent and determination, with Asian Championship gold medalists leading the charge. The event, hosted at the Army Rowing Node, served as a crucial platform for athletes vying for spots in the upcoming Asian Games.
Asian Champions Dominate the Waters
Balraj Panwar, representing Services, showcased his prowess in the single scull event, clinching gold with a time of 7 minutes 31.2 seconds. In a nail-biting finish, he edged out Army's Salman Khan by a mere two-hundredth of a second, highlighting the intense competition at the championships.
Meanwhile, the double scull duo of Ajay Tyagi and Lakshay, fresh from their Asian Championship triumph, continued their winning streak. They overcame a strong challenge from Ujjwal Kumar Singh and Sushil, securing the gold in 6 minutes 36.5 seconds. Their performance underscored their status as top contenders in the sport.
Team Events and Overall Championship
In the quadruple scull, the Services team of Rohit, Kulwinder Singh, Satnam Singh, and Manjeet Kumar emerged victorious with a time of 6 minutes 3.9 seconds. They finished ahead of a team fielded by the national federation, the Rowing Federation of India (RFI), which included Mohit, Kaushlesh Pratap Singh, Dhananjay Panwar, and Karamjit Singh. This RFI team was formed due to the suspension of the Delhi association, ensuring athletes from affected regions could compete.
Services' dominance was evident as they clinched the overall championship title, amassing an impressive tally of eight gold medals and one silver. This achievement reflects the team's depth and consistency across various events.
Women's Segment Highlights
The women's competitions were equally thrilling, with Madhya Pradesh's Santosh Yadav taking the single scull gold in 8 minutes 22.5 seconds. She outpaced Maharashtra's Mrunmayee Salgaonkar (8:27.8) and Kerala's Saniya J Krishnan (8:30.6), demonstrating her skill and endurance.
In the lightweight double scull, the All India Police duo of B Anandhi and Kiran Devi claimed gold with a time of 7 minutes 43.4 seconds. Additionally, Manisha Dangi and Jigyasa Regar won the pairs event in 7 minutes 56.6 seconds, securing Madhya Pradesh's second gold from the championships.
Pathway to Asian Games Selection
According to national head coach Ismail Baig, a Dronacharya awardee, the top two medalists in each event are likely to form a team of probables. From this pool, the final squad for this year's Asian Games will be selected, making the championships a critical stepping stone for athletes aspiring to represent India on the international stage.
Coach Baig also addressed the participation of RFI teams, noting that a women's team was fielded because some players returning from a training-cum-competition programme in Australia, funded by JSW, did not meet their state associations' selection policies. Similarly, RFI entered two men's teams comprising athletes from Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, as their associations were under suspension. This move ensured that the athletes' careers were not adversely affected by administrative issues.
The 43rd National Rowing Championships not only celebrated individual and team achievements but also reinforced the importance of fair play and support for athletes amidst challenges. As the rowing community looks ahead, the performances in Pune set a promising tone for India's prospects at the Asian Games.
