In a historic achievement, Balraj Panwar, a 25-year-old Indian Army rower, has secured India’s first quota in rowing for the Paris Olympics. This remarkable feat was accomplished at the 2024 World Asian and Oceanian Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta held in Chungju, South Korea.
Balraj Panwar to appear at the Paris Olympics
Panwar, who narrowly missed out on a bronze in his maiden appearance at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China last year, has now made his mark on the global stage. He clocked 7:01.27 minutes to finish third in the 2000m men’s single scull event. This performance not only sealed the quota for the Paris Olympics but also placed him among the top rowers in the world.
The race was intense, with Panwar initially lying third behind Vladislav Yakovlev of Kazakhstan and Hong Kong’s Hin Chun Chiu. However, showcasing his power and determination, Panwar raced ahead to grab the lead, passing the halfway mark with a timing of 3:25.51. He held on to his lead until the penultimate stretch of 1500m, crossing it with a timing of 5:12.67.
Despite a strong finish from Yakovlev and Indonesia’s Memo Memo, Panwar held his ground to secure the third position. Yakovlev took the top spot with a timing of 6:59.46 seconds, while Memo finished second.
BALRAJ PANWAR SECURES OLYMPIC QUOTA IN MEN'S SINGLE SCULLS 🤩🇮🇳
He finished 3rd with a good timing of 7:01:27
This is the 1st Quota for India in Rowing at #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/8BQ5W1Pocx
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) April 21, 2024
In the men’s single scull category, securing a top-five finish guarantees a spot at the Olympics. Panwar’s accomplishment ensures India’s representation in rowing at the quadrennial event slated to commence on July 26.
