India Wins Historic First Gold at World Rowing Cup in Lucerne

Mangalore Today News Network

Lucerne (Switzerland), June 28, 2026: India created history at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III by winning its maiden gold medal at the prestigious event, with Havildars Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh clinching the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls title on Saturday.

The Indian duo clocked 6:26.09 to finish ahead of Hong Kong (6:27.14) and the Netherlands (6:27.36) in a closely contested final at the Rotsee rowing course in Lucerne.

The gold marks India’s first-ever top podium finish at a World Rowing Cup, one of the sport’s premier international competitions and a key build-up to the World Rowing Championships.

Both Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh are serving soldiers in the Indian Army. The 18-member Indian contingent at the regatta comprises 17 Army personnel and one Indian Navy rower, highlighting the armed forces’ significant contribution to Indian rowing.

Army Rowing Node Commanding Officer Colonel Ramakrishnan hailed the victory as a landmark achievement, saying the triumph reflected years of dedicated training and discipline and would inspire more athletes to pursue excellence in rowing and strengthen India’s Olympic ambitions.

The three-day regatta, held from June 26 to 28 at the Olympic-standard Rotsee venue, features top international crews in Olympic and para-rowing events. India’s breakthrough gold is being hailed as a defining moment for the country’s rowing programme.