India Army Duo Create History With First-Ever World Rowing Cup Gold
India achieved a landmark moment in international rowing on Saturday as Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh won the country’s first-ever gold medal at a World Rowing Cup event at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III in
Lucerne.
Competing in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls final, the Indian pair produced a superb performance to clock 6:26.09, edging out Hong Kong (6:27.14) and the Netherlands (6:27.36) in a tightly contested race.
The victory is a breakthrough for Indian rowing, which had never previously won gold in the World Rowing Cup series — one of the sport’s premier international circuits and a major lead-up competition to the World Rowing Championships.
Army Soldiers Deliver Historic Triumph
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that both Lakshay and Ujjwal are serving soldiers in the Indian Army. Their success also highlights the military’s significant contribution to Indian rowing.
India’s 18-member squad in Lucerne consists of 17 athletes from the Indian Army and one from the Indian Navy, reflecting the armed forces’ long-standing investment in rowing infrastructure, coaching and athlete development.
Composed Under Pressure
The Indian duo entered the final against a strong field that included Hong Kong’s Lam San Tung and Chan Tik Lung, winners at World Rowing Cup I earlier this season.
However, Lakshay and Ujjwal rowed with confidence from the start, controlled the race through the middle stages, and held off a late challenge to secure a famous victory.
A Defining Moment for Indian Rowing
Speaking after the race, Colonel Ramakrishnan, Commanding Officer of the Army Rowing Node, described the medal as a historic milestone.
“This is a historic achievement for Indian rowing. Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh have won India’s first-ever gold medal at a World Rowing Cup, showcasing the immense potential of our athletes.”
“Their success reflects years of hard work, discipline and world-class training at the Army Rowing Node. This victory is a proud moment for the Indian Army and the nation, and we hope it inspires many more young athletes to pursue excellence in rowing and contribute towards India’s Olympic aspirations.”
A Golden Statement in Lucerne
The medal was won at the iconic Rotsee course in Lucerne, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest rowing venues because of its calm waters and Olympic-standard 2,000-metre layout.
While the regatta concludes on Sunday with the remaining Olympic-class finals, Lakshay and Ujjwal’s triumph has already ensured that India’s campaign will be remembered for a historic first — a World Rowing Cup gold that could mark the beginning of a new era for Indian rowing.
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