Lucerne: India created history at the 2026 World Rowing Cup III as Indian Army rowers Havildar Lakshay and Havildar Ujjwal Kumar Singh won the country’s first-ever gold medal in a World Rowing Cup event.
The duo clinched the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) title at the iconic Rotsee course in Lucerne, clocking 6:26.09 to finish ahead of Hong Kong’s San Tung Lam and Tik Lun Chan (6:27.14) and the Netherlands pair Erik van Eijck van Heslinga and Fredrik Ploeg (6:27.36).
The achievement marks a watershed moment for Indian rowing, as the country had previously managed only bronze medals in the World Rowing Cup series.
Both athletes are serving soldiers in the Indian Army and train at the Army Rowing Node in Pune. Their victory also highlights the Armed Forces’ significant contribution to Indian rowing; 17 of the 18 Indian athletes competing in Lucerne are from the Army and one from the Navy.
Historic! India's🇮🇳 First Ever 🥇.
Hav Lakshay & Hav Ujjwal Kumar Singh (Army Rowing Node) won India’s first-ever World Rowing Cup gold in LM2x at Lucerne — 6:26.09. Proud moment for the Indian Army and the nation!
#IndianArmy#MissionOlympicsWing #ArmyRowingNode… pic.twitter.com/b67DAHaJGG— Indian Army Sports and Adventure (@IA_SportsAdvntr) June 28, 2026
According to Rowing Federation of India president Balaji Maradappa, the team had faced disrupted preparations after missing World Cup II in Bulgaria due to visa delays. Despite the setback, the Indian pair delivered a career-defining performance.
The World Rowing Cup III, held from June 26–28, features more than 650 athletes from 42 nations and serves as a key lead-up event to this year’s World Rowing Championships.
