Historic Gold for India at Rowing World Cup
Havildar Lakshay and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh, serving soldiers in the Indian Army, clinched India's first-ever gold medal at a Rowing World Cup event. The duo triumphed in the men's lightweight double sculls (LM2x) at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland, on Saturday, June 28, 2026.
They clocked a winning time of 6:26.09, finishing ahead of competitors from Hong Kong and the Netherlands. This historic victory marks a major milestone for Indian rowing and is expected to inspire young athletes across the country.
Indian Army's Congratulations
The Indian Army took to social media platform X to congratulate the athletes. In a post, they wrote: "Historic! India's First Ever . Hav Lakshay & Hav Ujjwal Kumar Singh (Army Rowing Node) won India's first-ever World Rowing Cup gold in LM2x at Lucerne -- 6:26.09. Proud moment for the Indian Army and the nation!"
Both athletes represent the Army Rowing Node, which has been instrumental in nurturing rowing talent within the armed forces.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Praise
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also congratulated Lakshay and Ujjwal. In an X post, he called the achievement a "golden achievement for Indian Rowing" and said: "Havildar Lakshya and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh have scripted a new chapter in Indian sports history by clinching the gold medal at the World Rowing Cup with their stellar performance. This historic achievement is a symbol of the growing strength of Indian rowing, the players' tireless hard work, and their spirit."
He extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their future.
Impact on Indian Rowing
The gold medal is expected to boost the profile of rowing in India, a sport that has traditionally seen limited international success. The Army Rowing Node has been a key contributor, providing training and support to athletes like Lakshay and Ujjwal. This victory highlights the potential of Indian rowers on the global stage and may encourage more investment in the sport at the grassroots level.
