CHENNAI: If the number of medals determine success, the story of Indian participants at the recently concluded Asian rowing championships in Thailand is not great. They managed to win only one bronze, in LM-4 light weight men’s coxless fours. Last year, India did not take part in the continental event. In 2015, they managed to win seven medals.
A lot can change in two years and it definitely has. The Rowing Federation of India’s (RFI) ongoing tussle with army rowers meant that India’s best rower — Dattu Bhokanal — could not participate in the event. Still, India’s outing in Thailand was described as a success by national coach Ismail Baig. “This year, most of the rowers who took part were appearing in such a competition for the first time.
We had a couple of juniors as well. But Akshat, Lucky, Nikhil Goliyan and D Sai Raju did really well and were unfortunate to win only bronze. We were leading Hong Kong and China till 1500m. The boys were unlucky,” he told Express. The passage to Thailand was not smooth either. The national camp usually starts in February so that the rowers get ample time to settle in and gel with teammates. But by the time the Sports Authority of India (SAI) sanctioned the camp, it was March.
That is also why this bronze is special for India. The next generation of rowers have shown that they can step up at the big stage within a short period of time. “We had very little time together. The boys are new and they adapted really fast. All credit to them. Also, we only participated in three events. So one medal is not that bad.” With the Asian Games coming up in Jakarta next year, Ismail believes India can put up a better show.
But right now, the federation is also focusing on the Youth Olympic Games. With too many events on the horizon, India is not taking part in the World Championships in Saratosa- Bradenton, USA, that starts on September 24. The camp for Youth Olympics has already begun in Hyderabad and Ismail has high hopes for juniors. “These kids are good. But the standard in World Championships will be too much for them. That is why our main target is the Asian Games. The juniors are the one to look out for. Only one team from Asia can compete in Argentina (Youth Olympic Games) next year. The qualifications will happen in Singapore in November and we are confident of coming back with a positive result,” Ismail concluded.
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com