Indian rowing scripted a landmark chapter on 27 June 2026 when Havildar Lakshay and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh from Indian army became the first Indians to win a gold medal at a World Rowing Cup.
Competing in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) at the World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland, the Indian Army duo crossed the finish line in 6:26.09, edging past Hong Kong (6:27.14) and the Netherlands (6:27.36) in a nail-biting race.
Of the 18-member squad competing at the regatta, 17 athletes are from the Indian Army and one from the Indian Navy, indicating the Indian military’s heavy investment in rowing infrastructure.
Both Lakshay and Ujjwal train at the Army Rowing Node (ARN) in Pune, a centre that has steadily produced many of India’s top rowers. Their triumph reflects years of disciplined training, physical endurance and the Army’s commitment to nurturing sporting excellence alongside military service.
While rowing has rarely enjoyed the spotlight in India, the country has gradually made its presence felt internationally. India has won medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships, but a World Rowing Cup gold had remained elusive until now. Lakshay and Ujjwal have changed that forever.
Their achievement is also timely. With the lightweight rowing events set to be phased out after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the pair have ensured that India’s name will forever be etched.
Their race lasted just over six minutes, but its impact will be felt for years. With one unforgettable performance, Lakshay and Ujjwal have given Indian rowing a landmark achievement to build upon.
References:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-indian-soldiers-put-country-on-world-rowing-map-with-1st-ever-world-cup-gold/amp_articleshow/132073025.cms
https://sports.ndtv.com/rowing/india-create-history-rowers-win-nations-first-ever-gold-at-world-rowing-cup-11695508
