Indian rower Balraj Panwar to begin early preparations for Paris 2024 Olympics

Indian rower Balraj Panwar plans to arrive 20 days earlier to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 25-year-old secured India’s first quota in rowing for the mega-event by finishing third in the men’s single sculls event at the Asian and Oceania Rowing Qualification Regatta in April 2024.

Panwar clinched the bronze medal with a timing of 7:01.27, making him one of the five rowers to claim the Paris 2024 Olympic quota. Panwar is notably the only Indian to qualify in rowing for the Games.

In a virtual media interaction conducted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Rowing Federation of India, Panwar emphasized the importance of early preparation.

"We are going there 20 days in advance, and I'm sure it won't feel 'strange'. It will help us acclimatize to the weather and be ready," said Balraj Panwar.

Panwar also highlighted the challenges of competing in the men's singles sculls event and explained how training with Indian doubles sculls rower Salman Khan will aid his preparation.

"You are alone in the waters in men's singles sculls and there is a lot of mental as well as physical training needed. With Salman in training, I hope to get myself ready fully before the big event," he added.

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“I hope to make it to the semi-finals and achieve the best-ever feat for the country,” - Balraj Panwar on his aspirations for the Paris 2024 Olympics

Panwar, who hails from the Indian Army, has made significant strides in his rowing career, particularly after an impressive performance in his debut appearance at the Asian Games. Although he narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in Hangzhou, he now has the opportunity to rewrite history.

"With each tournament, our experience increases. The Asian Games was an important stepping stone in my journey, and I will be going to Paris with full preparation. No Indian has made it to the semifinal in rowing. I hope to make it to the semi-finals and achieve the best-ever feat for the country," added Balraj Panwar.

Panwar also discussed the intricate details of the sport and how his coach, Bajrang Lal Thakkar, a former Indian rower who competed in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, is helping him prepare.

"Besides the training part, the race involves a lot of small nuances and Thakkar sir is helping me by telling me about how to start, pace the race and finish well,” he continued.

India's hopes in rowing for the Paris 2024 Olympics rest on Balraj Panwar’s shoulders. With the right support, training, and dedication, Balraj Panwar is poised to make a significant impact in Paris.