From Tragedy to Triumph: The Rise of Balraj Panwar, India's Lone Olympic Rower

Having lost his father early, Balraj Panwar from the small village of Kaimla, Haryana, joined the Indian Army to support his family. Four years later, fate carried him on its shoulders to the Paris Olympics as India's only rower, a destiny that Panwar himself hadn't envisioned. Even after a fourth-place finish in his first men's singles scull, he's ready for a second outing, thanks to repechage.

Balraj's journey to becoming a professional athlete was enabled in 2020 by a coach who saw potential in his six-foot frame. This led Panwar to the Army Rowing Node for quality training opportunities. Despite participating in domestic events, he initially struggled and didn’t secure a single medal until 2023.

An essential turning point was his gold win at the 2023 national championships, following which he was chosen for the Asian Games. He ranked fourth in the Games, narrowly missing a medal, but the experience provided him the confidence he needed. A bronze victory at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Olympic Qualification Regatta in South Korea sealed his place in the Paris Olympics.

Balraj attributes his success to a blend of hard work and luck. Yet, his ambition for the Paris Olympics is distinctly grounded – he aims to outdo his personal best and make it to the semifinals, a stage that no Indian rower has reached before.

In preparation for this enormous task, Balraj, along with his Coach Bajrang Lal Thakkar, arrived in France 20 days ahead of the Games to adjust to the climate. His regimen comprises a lengthy bus ride to the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, followed by 24 kilometers of rowing, after which he returns to the Games Village by around 4pm. This narrative stands as a testament to Balraj's determination and resilience.