TOKYO OLYMPICS – INDIA’S ROWING CONTINGENT

After their second-place finish at the Asia/Oceania Continental Qualifying Regatta in early May, rowers Arjun Lal and Arvind Singh booked themselves a maiden Olympic berth. Not having previous knowledge or experience in the sport, both had to overcome major technical difficulties to reach where they are today.

The two Naib Subedars of the Indian Army were introduced to the sport in 2016, and their hard work over the last four years resulted in them earning the coveted Olympic seat this summer in Tokyo. The two arrive at Tokyo 2020 with a sense of enthusiasm and optimism, having been partners throughout their professional careers. They will look to use the understanding of each other’s game to put forward a strong show.

Arjun Lal Jat (Men’s lightweight double sculls)

A cricket fan growing up, Arjun didn’t even know what rowing was until he joined the Indian Army.

Being introduced to the sport by former Olympician Bajrang Lal Takhar, Arjun trained with his Olympic partner, Arvind Singh, and both were selected to join the squad at the 2018 Asian Games. The following year, at the Asian Rowing Championship, Arjun took his first international medal, taking home the silver medal.

Heading to his first Olympic campaign, Lal looks forward to having a positive experience to help him grow in the sport.

Arvind Singh (Men’s lightweight double sculls)

Hailing from a family of farmers in Khabra, Uttar Pradesh, Arvind, much like his Olympic partner Arjun, did not have any prior knowledge of the sport until he joined the Indian Army. Having been paired up with his current Olympic partner, Arvind has been working together with Arjun for over three years now and the two have a good understanding of each other’s game.

With medals at the 2018 Asian Games and 2019 Asian Rowing Championships, Arvind hopes to have a strong debut Olympic campaign which can lay a strong foundation for the sport in the country.