22 rowers inducted in TOPS to build sustainable bench strength for 2026 Asian Games

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Jun 01, 2026

22 rowers have been inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. A total of 22 rowers are now a part of the TOPS Development group across six boats. Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports said that the induction of these rowers is another effort to build sustainable bench strength across several boat categories rather than focusing only on individual medal prospects. The crew will now prepare for major international competitions featuring Rowing, including the Asian Games and World Cup circuit. Among those inducted are Paris 2024 Olympian Balraj Panwar, Asian Games 2022 silver medalist Arvind Singh, and Asian Games 2022 double medalist Jaswinder Singh. While the majority of the inducted athletes are being prepared with a direct focus on the Asian Games 2026 cycle, some crews are also part of India’s broader international development pathway targeting future competitions, like the Commonwealth Games 2030 set to be hosted in the country.