From Grit To Glory: Senior National Rowing Championship Wraps Up At CME Pune

The 43rd Senior National Rowing Championship 2026 concluded on a high note at the Army Rowing Node (ARN), operating under the Mission Olympics Wing of the College of Military Engineering. The event marked another significant milestone in the steady growth of India’s competitive rowing ecosystem.

Held from January 27 to 31 in Pune, the five-day championship featured top rowers from State teams and Services units across the country. The competition witnessed closely fought races, disciplined performances and smooth organisation, reflecting the increasing depth and professionalism of rowing in India.

The closing ceremony was attended by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, who was the Chief Guest. Senior Army

leaders, including Lt Gen Vipul Singhal, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, and Lt Gen Vikas Rohella, Engineer-in-Chief, were also present. Civil dignitaries, including Balaji Maradapa, President of the Rowing Federation of India, joined the ceremony.

One of the most memorable moments of the championship was the Para Single Scull event. The race received loud applause from spectators and stood out as a powerful symbol of determination, inclusion and sporting spirit.

In the overall standings, the Services Sports Control Board secured first place, followed by the Army Sports Control Board in second. Officials noted that medal-winning crews from both teams included athletes trained at the Army Rowing Node, highlighting ARN’s important role in developing elite rowers for the country.

Army officials said the strong showing by ARN-trained athletes reflects years of focused coaching, structured training programmes and modern support systems. The centre has emerged as a key contributor to national squads and continues to play a vital role in the Mission Olympics vision of building world-class talent.

Addressing the gathering, the Army Commander praised the ARN and CME teams for the smooth conduct of the championship and reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to promoting high-performance sport. With competitive races, strong participation and inspiring performances, the championship ended on a hopeful note for the future of Indian rowing.