Historic Gold for India at World Rowing Cup
Indian Army Havildars Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh created history by winning India's first-ever gold medal at the World Rowing Cup 2026 in Lucerne, Switzerland. The duo topped the men's Lightweight Double Sculls (LM2x) category with a time of 6:26.09, finishing ahead of Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
The Indian Army announced the achievement on Sunday, calling it a "proud moment for the Indian Army and the nation." The event featured approximately 650 rowers from 42 nations competing across various categories at the Lucerne regatta.
Challenging LM2x Category
The Lightweight Men's Double Sculls is one of the most competitive boat classes at the Lucerne regattas. Strict weight limits require individual scullers to weigh no more than 70 kg, with the crew average also at or below 70 kg. This demands a precise combination of explosive power and technical efficiency.
The championships were held on the renowned Rotsee course in Lucerne, known among rowers as "God's Lake" for its sheltered flat water that provides ideal racing conditions.
Army Rowing Node: Training Ground for Champions
Both Lakshay and Ujjwal are part of the Army Rowing Node (ARN) in Pune, located at the College of Military Engineering (CME). Established in 2001 under the Army's Mission Olympics program, ARN is India's premier international-standard rowing facility. It features a man-made rowing channel 2,200 meters long and 135 meters wide, the only such facility in India capable of hosting international competitions.
The facility supports around 300 athletes and includes a boathouse, a fully equipped gymnasium, sports science facilities, and a professional team of coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and sports psychologists.
Indian Army's Sports Excellence Program
The Indian Army runs an extensive program to recruit talented sportspersons across various disciplines and train them to international standards. Many Army athletes have won gold medals at global events and set national records. Lakshay and Ujjwal, who have previously won several international medals, continue this tradition of excellence.
