On April 21, 2024, in the waters of Chungju, South Korea, history was made as Balraj Panwar powered his way to secure India’s first quota in rowing for the Paris Olympics, by finishing third in the Men’s Single Sculls event at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Olympic Qualification Regatta.
The event is set to take place on July 27th 2024 at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
Let’s take a closer look at Balraj’s incredible journey to this milestone achievement.
Humble Beginnings:
Balraj grew up in Kaimla village in the Gharaunda subdivision of Karnal, Haryana.
At the tender age of 10, he lost his father, leaving his mother, Kamala, to support him and his four siblings through various odd jobs.
Despite these hardships, Balraj remained studious and sincere, with little time for sports during his childhood.
His primary goal was to join the army to lift his family out of financial crisis, a dream he realized in 2018 when he joined as a sepoy and was posted at the Bengal Engineering Group.
Today, Balraj is married and has a child, reflecting on his remarkable journey from adversity to stability.
Embarking on the Oars:
Balraj’s journey from the fields of Kaimla to the waters of rowing excellence began when his mentor, Sunil Kumar, saw promise in his towering six-foot frame and suggested him to take the sport of rowing.
Embracing the sport wholeheartedly, Balraj achieved victory in his battalion regatta during his inaugural rowing attempt, consequently being shifted to Army Training Node in Pune.
He has been relentless in his training ever since, continually striving to improve and excel in rowing.
Road to Paris: Qualifying for the Olympics
Having taken up the sport only in 2021, Balraj has shown remarkable improvement over the
past three years.
His first major competitions were the National Games in 2022 and 2023, where he didn’t secure a medal but left a strong impression with his outstanding abilities and potential.
Later in July 2023 he was sent for the World Rowing Championships in Switzerland
along with his fellow training mate Salman khan.
Balraj clocked a decent time of 7:07:62 in the
heats which was not enough to qualify for the quarter finals. The Asian Games in Hangzhou in September 2023 marked a significant breakthrough for Balraj.
Initially, India did not plan to field a single sculler for the Asiad, however, Balraj’s exceptional performance and relentless determination during the trials for a second reserve spot on the quadruple team compelled the Rowing Federation to reconsider their decision and field him in the Men’s Single Scull event.
He narrowly missed the bronze medal, clocking 7:17.87 in the heats and 7:16.29 in the semifinals to make the finals.
His Asiad selection and performance were pivotal moments in his career.
Come 2024, Balraj asserted his dominance on the national stage by claiming victory in the Men’s Single Scull event with a time of 07:18.7 minutes.
Following that, Panwar secured third place in the men’s single sculls event at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Qualification Regatta.
With Paris 2024 Olympic quotas awarded to the top five finishers, he achieved this feat with a timing of 7:01.27.
Olympics Preview: What to Expect
The Indian Olympic Rowing team, under the guidance of coach Bajrang Lal Takhar, has departed for Paris, a full 20 days ahead of the event.
This early departure allows Balraj Panwar, accompanied by team physio Tanneru Sai Kumar, ample time to acclimatize and prepare thoroughly.
Sculler Salman Khan and assistant coach Gurdarshan are also part of the contingent, joining Balraj in training sessions as he gears up for the competition in Paris.
No Indian has made it to the semifinal in rowing. I hope to make it to the semifinals and achieve the best-ever feat for the country,” he stated during a media interaction organized by SAI, IOA, and the Rowing Federation of India.
In just three years, Balraj’s rapid development in rowing has heightened expectations of a medal-worthy performance.
However, to compete for a medal, he must reduce his best time by at least 15 seconds.
Team IndiaSportsHub extends wholehearted support and best wishes to Balraj as he
embarks on his Olympic journey. May his dedication and skill shine brightly, inspiring the nation and bringing glory to India on the international stage.
Written By Avineet
