Historic Gold in Lucerne! Army Rowers Lakshay and Ujjwal Win India's First-Ever World Rowing Cup Gold

Indian rowing has reached a historic milestone. In a breakthrough that will be remembered for years, Indian Army personnel Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh clinched India's first-ever gold medal at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland. The duo triumphed in the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls Final, marking a watershed moment for a sport that has long remained outside the national spotlight.Their victory not only earned India a place at the top of the podium but also announced the country's arrival as a serious force on the international rowing circuit.A Race Won by Precision and GritCompeting against some of the world's best crews, Lakshay and Ujjwal delivered a composed and commanding performance over the 2,000-metre course at Lucerne's iconic Rotsee venue. The Indian pair crossed the finish line in 6:26.09, narrowly edging past Hong Kong, who clocked 6:27.14, while the Netherlands settled for bronze with 6:27.36.The margins were razor-thin, but the Indians maintained their rhythm and composure throughout the race, refusing to surrender their lead even under immense pressure from experienced international competitors. Their gold medal is the first ever for India in the prestigious World Rowing Cup series, one of the sport's premier annual competitions and a major build-up event to the World Rowing Championships.The Indian Army's Winning FormulaBehind the historic triumph lies years of disciplined preparation. Both Lakshay and Ujjwal are serving personnel in the Indian Army, whose investment in rowing has steadily built a pipeline of elite athletes. The Indian contingent competing in Lucerne is almost entirely made up of armed forces personnel—17 of the 18 athletes belong to the Army, while one represents the Indian Navy.The Army's specialised rowing programme has consistently nurtured talent through world-class coaching, modern facilities and rigorous training. Saturday's victory highlights that long-term commitment.Colonel Ramakrishnan, Commanding Officer of the Army Rowing Node, described the achievement as a defining moment for Indian rowing. Speaking to NDTV, he praised the duo for showcasing immense potential and said their success reflected years of discipline, dedication and world-class preparation. He also expressed hope that the landmark victory would inspire more young Indians to take up rowing and contribute to the country's future Olympic ambitions.The medal comes at one of rowing's most celebrated venues. Lucerne's Rotsee course is regarded as one of the finest in the world, thanks to its calm waters and Olympic-standard six-lane layout. Winning at such a prestigious venue gives the achievement even greater significance..Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh have not just won a race—they have rewritten Indian sporting history. Their remarkable victory proves that with discipline, perseverance and institutional support, Indian athletes can conquer even the most challenging waters on the global stage.