Balraj Panwar has produced heritage by securing India’s inaugural quota in rowing for the Paris Olympics. Panwar’s exceptional accomplishment arrived when he clinched the third placement in the men’s single scull celebration all through the 2024 Planet Asian and Oceanian Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta in Chungju, South Korea, on Sunday.
The 25-calendar year-aged Indian Army rower, who narrowly skipped out on a bronze medal in his debut look at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China previous calendar year, showcased remarkable dedication and talent. Clocking a time of 7:01.27 minutes in the 2000m race, Panwar sealed the coveted quota for India.
In the men’s solitary scull class, securing a top-5 finish ensures a location at the Olympics. Panwar’s accomplishment assures India’s representation in rowing at the quadrennial function slated to start on July 26.
Earlier, India’s endeavour to qualify in the men’s lightweight double sculls class, witnessed for the duration of the Tokyo Olympics, faced disappointment as the nation failed to safe a quota.
Even with a valiant effort by the Indian duo of Ujjwal Kumar and Arvind Singh, who completed 3rd in their occasion, the quota remained elusive. Panwar’s journey to victory saw him show resilience and strategic prowess on the waters. Conquering a sluggish start out, he surged in advance in the latter half of the race, overtaking his competition to lead the pack. In spite of a commendable effort by Vladislav Yakovlev of Kazakhstan, who in the end claimed the gold, Panwar’s functionality remained a standout second.