LUCERNE, Switzerland (Diya TV) — India reached a major milestone in international rowing after Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh won the country’s first-ever gold medal at a World Rowing Cup event. The Indian Army rowers secured the historic victory in the lightweight men’s double sculls final at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III on Saturday. Their achievement marked a breakthrough for Indian rowing and highlighted the steady rise of the sport on the global stage.
Lakshay and Ujjwal crossed the finish line in 6 minutes, 26.09 seconds at the famous Rotsee rowing course in Lucerne. They finished ahead of Hong Kong, which recorded 6:27.14, while the Netherlands claimed bronze in 6:27.36. The race remained close from start to finish. However, the Indian pair stayed calm, maintained a strong rhythm, and protected their lead under pressure.
The victory gave India its first gold medal in the history of the World Rowing Cup series. The annual competition ranks among the sport’s biggest international events and serves as an important test before the World Rowing Championships. Therefore, the result carries added significance for Indian rowing as it continues to improve at the highest level.
Lakshay and Ujjwal entered the final against experienced opponents. Hong Kong’s Lam San Tung and Chan Tik Lung had already won World Rowing Cup I earlier this season. Even so, the Indian duo delivered an outstanding performance. They started confidently, controlled the race, and never allowed their rivals to take command. As a result, they created one of the biggest moments in Indian rowing history.
The achievement also reflected the growing strength of India’s rowing program. Both gold medalists serve in the Indian Army and train through its sports development system. Their success highlighted the role of the armed forces in building world-class athletes across different sports.
The Indian team competing in Lucerne also showcased the military’s strong presence in rowing. Seventeen of the 18 athletes in the national squad come from the Indian Army, while one athlete represents the Indian Navy. Over the years, the armed forces have invested in quality coaching, modern facilities, and consistent athlete development. Consequently, Indian rowers have become more competitive in major international events.
Moreover, the victory demonstrated India’s progress in lightweight rowing, where races often depend on perfect timing, teamwork, and race strategy. Lakshay and Ujjwal displayed all three qualities throughout the final. They remained composed during every stage of the race and responded well whenever the pressure increased.
Following the historic win, Colonel Ramakrishnan, Commanding Officer of the Army Rowing Node, praised the athletes for their remarkable achievement. He said the gold medal represented a defining moment for Indian rowing and showcased the talent of the country’s athletes on the world stage.
He added that the victory reflected years of discipline, hard work, and high-quality training at the Army Rowing Node. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the result would encourage more young athletes to take up rowing and strengthen India’s ambitions of achieving greater success at future international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
The triumph also brought attention to the Rotsee course, one of the world’s most respected rowing venues. Known for its calm waters and Olympic-standard 2,000-meter six-lane layout, the course has hosted many memorable international races. Winning at such a prestigious venue added even greater value to India’s historic achievement.
In recent years, Indian athletes have produced strong performances across several global sporting events. Now, this World Rowing Cup gold adds another important chapter to that growing success story. More importantly, it signals that Indian rowing can compete with established rowing nations on the biggest international stages.
As celebrations continue, Lakshay and Ujjwal’s victory will likely inspire the next generation of Indian rowers. Their historic performance has set a new benchmark for the sport in the country. At the same time, it has strengthened confidence that Indian rowing can achieve even greater success in the years ahead.
