Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth felicitated Havildar Lakshay and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh of the Army Rowing Node for winning India's first-ever Gold Medal at the World Rowing Cup in the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls (LM2x) event. The competition was held in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Historic Victory at World Rowing Cup III
The duo clinched the gold medal on June 27 at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III, completing the race with a timing of 6:26.09. They finished ahead of competitors from Hong Kong and the Netherlands, marking a milestone for Indian rowing.
This triumph is a significant achievement for India in the sport of rowing and is expected to inspire young athletes across the country. Both Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh and Havildar Lakshay are serving soldiers in the Indian Army, representing the Army Rowing Node, which has been instrumental in nurturing rowing talent.
Recognition from Army and State Leaders
Earlier, the Indian Army took to social media platform X to congratulate the athletes, stating: "Historic! India's First Ever . Hav Lakshay & Hav Ujjwal Kumar Singh (Army Rowing Node) won India's first-ever World Rowing Cup gold in LM2x at Lucerne -- 6:26.09. Proud moment for the Indian Army and the nation!"
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended his congratulations to Lakshay and Ujjwal. He called it a historic achievement for Indian rowing, highlighting their hard work and determination, and said the victory reflects the growing strength of the sport in India.
In an X post, Chief Minister Dhami said: "Golden Achievement for Indian Rowing! Havildar Lakshya and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh have scripted a new chapter in Indian sports history by clinching the gold medal at the World Rowing Cup with their stellar performance. This historic achievement is a symbol of the growing strength of Indian rowing, the players' tireless hard work, and their spirit. Heartfelt congratulations to both players on this proud success, and infinite best wishes for a bright future."
Impact on Indian Rowing
The gold medal win is a landmark moment for Indian rowing, which has been steadily gaining prominence on the international stage. The Army Rowing Node has played a crucial role in developing rowers like Lakshay and Ujjwal, providing them with the training and support needed to compete at the highest level.
This achievement is expected to boost the morale of aspiring rowers and encourage more investment in the sport. The success of the duo underscores the potential of Indian athletes in disciplines that have historically been dominated by other nations.
