India has etched its name into the history books of international rowing after Havildar Lakshay and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh of the Indian Army clinched the country’s first-ever gold medal at the World Rowing Cup. The duo delivered a remarkable performance in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) event at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III held in Lucerne, Switzerland, marking a watershed moment for Indian rowing.
The victory not only ended India’s long wait for a World Rowing Cup gold but also underscored the growing strength of Indian athletes in a sport traditionally dominated by European nations.
A Landmark Victory in Lucerne
Lakshay and Ujjwal produced an outstanding performance in the final, clocking 6 minutes 26.09 seconds to finish ahead of strong international competitors from Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
Final Standings – Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls
| Position | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Gold | India | 6:26.09 |
| 🥈 Silver | Hong Kong | 6:27.14 |
| 🥉 Bronze | Netherlands | 6:27.36 |
The Indian pair maintained composure throughout the race and surged ahead in the closing stages, securing a memorable victory by just over a second.
Who Are the Champions?
The history-making duo comprises:
- Havildar Lakshay
- Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh
Both athletes are serving soldiers in the Indian Army and train at the Army Rowing Node, one of India’s premier high-performance rowing centres.
Their triumph is another example of the Indian Armed Forces’ longstanding contribution to nurturing elite athletes across disciplines such as athletics, boxing, shooting, wrestling, sailing, and rowing.
A Milestone for Indian Rowing
The World Rowing Cup is among the sport’s most prestigious international competitions and serves as an important benchmark ahead of the World Rowing Championships and other major global events.
Until now, India had achieved respectable performances at international regattas but had never won a gold medal in the World Rowing Cup series.
This victory therefore represents:
- India’s first-ever World Rowing Cup gold medal.
- A breakthrough for Indian rowing on the global stage.
- One of the biggest achievements in the history of the sport in India.
- A major confidence boost ahead of future international competitions.
Indian Army’s Role in Sporting Excellence
One of the most remarkable aspects of this achievement is the role played by the Indian Armed Forces in developing rowing talent.
The Indian contingent participating in Lucerne consisted almost entirely of personnel from the Armed Forces:
- 17 athletes from the Indian Army
- 1 athlete from the Indian Navy
The Army’s structured training programmes, modern infrastructure, sports science support, and disciplined environment have consistently produced athletes capable of competing at the highest international level.
Why This Gold Matters
The significance of this victory extends beyond a single medal.
1. Global Recognition
Winning at the World Rowing Cup establishes India as a serious competitor in international rowing.
2. Inspiration for Young Athletes
The success of Lakshay and Ujjwal is expected to encourage more young Indians to consider rowing as a competitive sport.
3. Strengthening Olympic Aspirations
The World Rowing Cup serves as a key preparatory circuit for elite international competitions. Success at this level enhances India’s confidence heading into future World Championships and Olympic qualification events.
4. Validation of Sports Development Programmes
The achievement reflects the effectiveness of investments made in athlete development through institutions like the Indian Army’s sports programme.
Growing Momentum for Indian Rowing
Indian rowing has steadily progressed over the past decade through improved coaching, better infrastructure, and increased international exposure.
Recent initiatives have focused on:
- High-performance training centres.
- Scientific coaching methods.
- International competition exposure.
- Talent identification through the Armed Forces and national federations.
- Enhanced support for elite athletes.
Experts believe this historic victory could accelerate the sport’s growth across the country and attract greater institutional and grassroots support.
