From Asian Games Breakthrough to LA 2028: Satnam Singh Eyes Bigger Things for Indian Rowing

For Satnam Singh, the bronze medal in the men's Double Sculls at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is not simply another entry on his medal list. It represents a breakthrough that could change the direction of Indian rowing.

Satnam and Salman Khan clocked 6:13.25 at the Nagaragawa International Regatta Course to secure India's first-ever Asian Games medal in the men's Double Sculls. It ended a wait dating back to the inaugural Asian Games in 1951.

"The paths that had been blocked have now opened. We can now hope that we will win more medals in this event in the future and perform even better," Satnam told SAI Media on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Indian Navy rower has now won two Asian Games medals, having previously claimed bronze in the Quadruple Sculls at Hangzhou. That experience, he believes, can be crucial as Indian athletes aim to perform consistently at the highest level.

"The experience is also very important. When a player is new, there is naturally pressure in competition. As you continue playing, your experience increases, your confidence grows and the fear starts to reduce. That is very important for an athlete," he added.

European exposure closing the gap

Satnam credits the changing preparation methods and international exposure for India's progress. Training camps and competitions in Europe, supported through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), have allowed Indian rowers to measure themselves against elite opposition.

"This was the first time we had camps in Europe. We also got the opportunity to race against some of the world's top-class countries before the Asian Games. That gave us a chance to understand our level against the best," Satnam explained.

"Earlier, we were much further behind. But now, when we race against European countries, we are finishing around three to four seconds behind them."

He believes better coaching and technology can accelerate that progress further.

"As the coaches continue to support us, new things and new technology are coming into the sport, and we are continuing to work. Because of that, Indian rowing is progressing significantly," he added.

Eyes on Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

The next target is already clear, as it is LA 2028. Satnam wants India to qualify in as many rowing events as possible and believes the shrinking gap with European teams provides genuine optimism.

"We are hopeful that going forward, we can also win gold at the Asian Games. We will always keep trying for that. And for the Olympics, our hope is to participate and go all the way to the final," Satnam told SAI Media.