Satnam Singh Makes History with Bronze Medal at Asian Games

Satnam Singh, a rower from Fatta Maloka village, made history by winning a bronze medal in the men's double sculls at the Asian Games in Japan. This achievement marks India's first medal in this event, adding to Satnam's accolades as a double Asian Games medallist. His family expressed immense pride, highlighting the sacrifices made for his training. With calls for better sports infrastructure in Mansa, Satnam's success is seen as an inspiration for future athletes. Read on to discover more about this historic moment and the support from prominent figures in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 25, 2026, 00:10 IST

Historic Achievement for Indian Rowing

A night filled with anticipation transformed into a proud moment for the family of rower Satnam Singh, hailing from Fatta Maloka village in Mansa district. On Thursday, he clinched a bronze medal in the men’s double sculls at the Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Teaming up with Salman Khan, Satnam's achievement marks India's inaugural medal in the men’s double sculls category at the Asian Games. This victory also adds to Satnam's accolades, as it is his second bronze, following his success in the quadruple sculls at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.

The duo finished with a time of 6:13.25, securing third place behind China’s Yi Xudi and Nie Yide, who took gold with a time of 6:09.77, and Uzbekistan’s Mekhrojbek Mamatkulov and Pavel Sorin, who earned silver in 6:10.49.

His mother, Harjeet Kaur, shared the joy of receiving a call at 7 am, where Satnam exclaimed, ‘Mummy ji, main jeet gya’ (Mother, I have won). The family celebrated this significant milestone with immense pride.

Amrik Singh, Satnam's father, expressed their anxious wait for the results, noting that Satnam has been striving for this achievement since 2012. They received the news of his third-place finish with overwhelming pride.

The family revealed that Satnam often had to spend extended periods away from home due to limited rowing facilities in Mansa, sometimes for nearly a year.

Harjeet Kaur mentioned, ‘He has been away for the last seven months, and we mostly connect through video calls.’

Amrik Singh emphasized the need for improved sports infrastructure in Mansa to prevent athletes from being away from their families for long durations.

Satnam's elder brother serves in the Army, while Satnam himself is in the Navy and continues to pursue rowing.

Sandeep Kaur, Satnam's sister-in-law, expressed the desire for better sports facilities in Mansa to inspire youth to engage in sports and steer clear of drugs.

In a heartfelt video message, Satnam expressed his pride in being a double Asian Games medallist in rowing, stating, ‘This is India’s first-ever medal in the double event. I congratulate my village, my district, and my country.’

Prominent figures, including Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, extended their congratulations to Satnam and Salman for their remarkable achievement.