Indian Rowers Make History with Bronze at Asian Games 2026
On September 24, 2026, Indian rowers Satnam Singh and Salman Khan achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a bronze medal in the men’s double sculls at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. This victory marks India’s first-ever medal in this particular rowing event. The duo finished the race with a time of 6:13.25, trailing behind the gold medalists from China, Yi Xudi and Yide Nie, and the silver medalists from Uzbekistan, Pavel Sorin and Mekhrojbek Mamatkulov.
Throughout the race, Satnam and Salman maintained a strong position, staying in second place at the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m markers. However, in the final stretch, they were overtaken but managed to securely clinch the bronze.
Salman Khan: A Journey from Uber Driver to Medallist
For Salman Khan, this medal represents a significant achievement in his burgeoning rowing career, which began after he joined the Indian Army. Before he entered the world of rowing, Salman was working as an Uber driver in Delhi to support his family. His life took a turn when he faced the tragic loss of his father at the age of 18, placing him in charge of his younger siblings.
Realizing he had the physical potential for the armed forces, Salman decided to pursue his dream of joining the Army. With determination, he trained for four months and succeeded in the recruitment process, enlisting in the Bombay Engineer Group in Pune on September 25, 2018. It was in the Army that he discovered rowing. Encouraged by his coaches, Salman initially hesitated but soon found success in the sport, earning medals in various competitions and making significant strides in his training.
His hard work paid off as he won gold at the National Games in 2022, among other prestigious events. By 2023, he was recognized under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme and continued to build an impressive portfolio of achievements.
Satnam Singh: From Handball to Rowing Star
Satnam Singh, Salman’s partner in this historic moment, also transitioned to rowing from another sport. Before taking up rowing in 2018, he was a national-level handball player. Recognizing his athletic prowess, Olympian Swarn Singh Virk encouraged him to embark on a rowing career. Satnam quickly made a name for himself, representing India at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and later winning the men’s single sculls title at the Senior National Rowing Championships.
In Hangzhou 2023, Satnam secured his first Asian Games medal as part of the men’s quadruple sculls team. His success continued into 2025 with several wins, including a gold medal at the Asian Rowing Championships in Vietnam.
The duo’s pair in the men’s double sculls came about after a last-minute reshuffle of the Indian rowing team, which initially caused frustration. However, Satnam and Salman quickly adapted to their new partnership. They excelled in the final, achieving a remarkable bronze medal for India.
This achievement not only adds to Satnam’s accolades but also marks a historic milestone for Indian rowing in the men’s double sculls category.
