Lucerne, Switzerland: In a historic moment for Indian sports, two Indian Army rowers secured India’s first-ever gold medal at the World Rowing Cup 2026. Competing on Sunday in Lucerne, Switzerland, the duo topped the podium in the highly competitive Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls category.
Havildar Lakshay and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh delivered a spectacular performance, clocking a timing of 6:26.09 to win the final. The Indian rowers finished ahead of the crews from Hong Kong and the Netherlands, who took the remaining podium spots. Expressing pride in the historic achievement, the Indian Army stated that it marks a phenomenal milestone for both the armed forces and the entire nation.
The prestigious championship at Lucerne features approximately 650 rowers from 42 nations competing across various men’s and women’s events. The Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls class is known as one of the most intensely contested categories in the regatta. Athletes in this class must adhere to strict weight restrictions, with individual scullers limited to a maximum of 70 kg and a crew average of 70 kg or less. Balancing these stringent weight requirements demands an elite blend of technical skill and explosive physical power.
The historic victory took place on the legendary Rotsee course in Lucerne. Famously nicknamed “God’s Lake” by the rowing community, the venue is highly regarded for its well-sheltered, flat water surface that ensures an exceptionally fair and ideal racing environment for international athletes.
Both champion rowers train at the Army Rowing Node, which is located at the College of Military Engineering in Pune. As India’s premier international-standard rowing facility, the center was established in 2001 under the Indian Army’s Mission Olympics initiative. It features a massive man-made rowing channel that measures 2,200 metres long and 135 metres wide, making it the only venue in the country fully capable of hosting major international rowing competitions.
The state-of-the-art facility supports around 300 athletes and is equipped with a boathouse, a comprehensive gymnasium, and advanced sports science amenities. The node operates with a dedicated team of professional coaches, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and sports psychologists. This historic gold medal highlights the continued success of the Army’s expansive sports recruitment and training programs designed to elevate promising athletes to global standards.
