CHENNAI: In what could be a setback for Indian rowing, the participation of 2014 Incheon Asian Games bronze medallist Swaran Singh in the men’s single sculls category at the upcoming edition in Jakarta is in doubt. The 28-year-old is not in the best of health. “He has not been keeping well recently. Hopefully, he will recover before Asian Games.
He has been suffering from typhoid and some other small niggles. He was also having an infection in the ear, for which he was receiving treatment at SRMC in Chennai. He will most probably not take part in the singles scull, which was the initial plan. Depending on his recovery, a decision will be made if he can participate in a team event,” Rajlaxmi Singh Deo, president of the Rowing Federation of India, told Express on Wednesday.
Swaran, who narrowly lost to Dattu Bhokanal during the rowing nationals in December 2017, was slowly getting back to best after suffering from a damaged back for years, soon after the London Olympics. However, the latest setback for the rower, who is currently at the national camp at the Army Rowing Node in Pune, is sure to give the federation selection headaches ahead of the quadrennial event in August. As things stand now, Dattu will be leading India in the men’s singles scull event, while Dushyant Chauhan will participate in men’s lightweight single sculls. He had won bronze in this category at the 2014 Asian Games. The federation is hopeful of fielding eight boats in Jakarta.
The RFI will be conducting a selection meeting from June 22 to 24 in Pune to finalise who will participate in which category. “Every athlete’s record and statistics since foreign coach Nicolae Gioga took over is with him and they will be selected on the basis of that. There is no race in the form of selection trials this time. It will be based more on analysis of their performances over that period of time,” Rajlaxmi, who was in the city for the 21st subjunior and 3rd inter-state challengers sprint national rowing championships, said.
New centre in Chennai
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Tamil Nadu Amateur Rowing Association (TARA) have come to an agreement over constructing a new Centre for Rowing Excellence at Buckingham Canal, on a 2900m stretch between OMR and ECR starting from Sholinganallur.
Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu, P Balakrishna Reddy inspected the place last week along with TARA members.
“We have been working on this project for years now. Now that the SDAT has given us permission, the only thing left is the allocation of land. Before the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Rs 7 crore was promised for development of water sports in the state. A lot of that is still unused. Along with that, a couple of corporate sponsors and SWSC have agreed to help us out. If the land issue is taken care of, the facility will be ready in six months,” Balaji Maradappa, governing body member of TARA, said.
Bajrang backs Swaran
2010 Asian Games gold medallist Bajrang Lal, who has rowed with and also mentored Swaran Singh, feels that if the 28-year-old is fully fit, he can definitely come back with a medal from the upcoming Asiad. “He has had some health problems for some time now. But he is very dedicated and will do everything to make the country proud. I hope he recovers in time for the Asian Games in August,” Bajrang said.
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com