Launch of Women's Rowing Program to Boost India's International Competitiveness

The Inspire Institute of Sport has launched a dedicated women's rowing program in collaboration with the Rowing Federation of India, bringing together 24 elite athletes for high-performance training. This initiative aims to enhance India's prospects in international rowing competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics. With a state-of-the-art training facility and a focus on athlete development, the program is set to create a strong pipeline for future success. Key athletes have already qualified for upcoming events, showcasing the initiative's early impact. The program's long-term goals include achieving medal-winning performances and preparing athletes for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 17:22 IST

Inauguration of Women's Rowing Initiative

The Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), in partnership with the Rowing Federation of India (RFI), has officially introduced a specialized women's rowing program. This initiative brings together 24 elite athletes who will train in a high-performance setting designed to enhance India's standing in international rowing competitions. The program will be based at the RWP-3 training facility in Bellary, part of the JSW Group ecosystem, marking a pivotal advancement in developing India's women's rowing talent ahead of significant events like the Asian Games and the Olympics. The launch ceremony will be presided over by Manisha Malhotra, President of IIS, alongside Chief Guest Balaji Maradapa, President of RFI.

A Unified Effort for Excellence

Manisha Malhotra emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "This program exemplifies a strong partnership, with the Rowing Federation of India playing a crucial role in its establishment. For our female rowers, this facility provides essential stability, world-class support, and an ideal environment for training and development. It is a significant step towards offering them the platform they deserve and paving the way for success at the Asian Games and beyond."

Tathagata Mukherjee, COO of IIS, remarked, "Rowing has been a top priority for us. In less than a year, we have established a robust high-performance ecosystem. Remarkably, in just four months, we have developed the necessary infrastructure at IIS. This progress, which includes attracting some of the best female rowers in the nation, would not have been achievable without the backing of the JSW group. We are already witnessing early successes, including two medals at the 2025 Asian Rowing Championships, marking just the start of our journey towards consistent international achievements."

A New Era for Indian Rowing

Balaji Maradapa, President of RFI, expressed optimism, stating, "This truly signifies a new chapter for rowing in India. I extend my gratitude to IIS for their dedication and this strong alliance with the Rowing Federation of India. Our vision extends beyond the Asian Games, with structured international exposure, such as a six-week training program in Melbourne, already yielding noticeable improvements in technique and performance. I have personally observed the advancements on the water, and I firmly believe that Indian women's rowing is poised to achieve unprecedented heights in our history."

Selection Process and Initial Achievements

The program commenced with an extensive sports science testing phase at IIS from February 18 to 25, 2026, where 30 athletes underwent performance evaluations. Based on these assessments, a final group of 24 athletes was chosen for the next phase of structured training.

The initiative has already demonstrated promising results, with boats in the Women's Coxless Pair and Women's Coxless Four categories qualifying for the upcoming Asian Games. Notable athletes include Diljot and Suman in the Coxless Pair, and Jigyasa, Tendenthoi, Aswathi, and Gurbani in the Coxless Four, with Aleena and Bhagyasri serving as reserve athletes.

State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Training will be conducted at the RWP-3 facility in Bellary, which boasts a 2,300-meter stretch of water, closely matching the official 2,000-meter international racing distance. This setup allows athletes to train under conditions similar to actual competitions.

The venue provides a controlled environment free from public boat traffic, ensuring uninterrupted training sessions that align with coaches' schedules. The waterbody has been evaluated and approved by experts from the Rowing Federation of India, considering factors such as course length, water quality, weather conditions, and geographical suitability.

Equipment and Training Resources

The program currently utilizes 12 rowing boats across various classes, including single sculls, double sculls, quadruple sculls, coxless pairs, and coxless fours, facilitating training in different competitive formats.

Future Aspirations and Olympic Goals

Looking forward, IIS is investigating overseas training and competition opportunities, including potential collaborations with international experts, to further enhance athlete development. The long-term roadmap of the program aims to achieve medal-winning performances at the Asian Games and prepare athletes for qualification in targeted events for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.