Indian Rower Balraj Panwar Calls for Enhanced Infrastructure and Junior Competitions

Indian rower Balraj Panwar, who finished 23rd in men's singles skulls at the Paris Olympics, emphasized the need for better rowing infrastructure and more junior level competitions to boost future performance. He reached the quarterfinals through repechage and competed in multiple races, gaining valuable experience.

Indian rower Balraj Panwar has called for the enhancement of rowing infrastructure in the country, along with an increase in junior level competitions to improve future performance. He finished 23rd in the men's singles skulls event at the Paris Olympics.

Panwar, the only Indian rower at the Paris Games, advanced to the quarterfinals through repechage, clocking 7:05:10 to finish fifth. He then competed in the semifinals (Group C/D) for a position between 13-24, eventually participating in the Final D race for positions 19-24.

"We must strengthen rowing infrastructure, train more athletes at the junior level, and organize more competitions at that level to improve our performance," Panwar told PTI at the India House. Despite his 23rd-place finish, he expressed satisfaction with his performance, citing the experience gained as invaluable for future competitions. Panwar started rowing in 2020 and has since competed in the Asian Games and the Olympics, showing a promising trajectory for his future endeavors.

(With inputs from agencies.)