Salman Khan and Nitin Deol Clinch Gold in Asia Cup Double Sculls; Indian Rowing Excels in Olympic Qualification Event
In an outstanding display of talent at Chungju, South Korea, Indian rowers Salman Khan and Nitin Deol secured the Asia Cup double sculls gold medal on Saturday. The duo achieved a remarkable time of 6 minutes 35.73 seconds in the final event held at Tangeum Lake, alongside the Asia-Oceania continental qualifiers for the Paris Games.
President Rajlaxmi Singh Deo of the Rowing Federation of India expressed pride in the team’s performance, noting that reserve players had competed in the Asia Cup and that full entries would be considered in future editions. Unlike the Asian Championship, which limits entries to one per country per event through the national federation, the Asia Cup historically welcomes unlimited club entries.
Meanwhile, Balraj Panwar showcased strategic prowess by securing a place in the medal match on Sunday, finishing just behind Uzbekistan’s Shakhboz Kholnurzaev in the second semifinal. Shakhboz’s early lead was countered by Panwar’s strong finish, with a time of 7:16.29.
In the lightweight double sculls, Olympian Arvind Singh and partner Ujjwal Kumar dominated the first semifinal with a time of 6:54.27, securing progression to the medal match where Olympic qualification opportunities await.
Looking ahead, the Indian rowing contingent anticipates further success in the Paralympics Qualification segment, with Anita and Narayana Konganapalle poised for a medal opportunity in the mixed double sculls final on Sunday.