22 rowers join TOPS Development Group for Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya
Synopsis
India's rowing programme got a significant structural boost as 22 athletes — including Paris Olympian Balraj Panwar and Asian Games medalists Arvind Singh and Jaswinder Singh — were inducted into the TOPS Development Group. The move targets not just Asian Games 2026 glory but lays groundwork for rowing's potential return to the Commonwealth Games in 2030, which India will host.
Key Takeaways
The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) inducted 22 rowers into the TOPS Development Group at its 174th meeting on 1 June 2025 .
Athletes span six boat categories , with primary focus on the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya .
Paris 2024 Olympian Balraj Panwar and Asian Games 2022 medalists Arvind Singh and Jaswinder Singh are among those inducted.
Select crews are also on a longer development pathway targeting the Commonwealth Games 2030 , to be hosted by India.
Rowing has not appeared at the Commonwealth Games since the 1986 Edinburgh edition but may return at the centenary edition.
The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), at its 174th meeting on Monday, 1 June 2025, inducted 22 rowers into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and other international competitions. The list was finalised following the completion of annual national selection trials and crew selection by the Rowing Federation of India (RFI).
Key Athletes Inducted
Among the prominent names joining the TOPS Development Group is Balraj Panwar, who represented India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside Arvind Singh, a silver medalist at the Asian Games 2022, and Jaswinder Singh, a double medalist at the same edition. Their inclusion signals a deliberate blend of proven international performers and emerging talent within the squad.
Boat Categories and Full Roster
The 22 rowers have been distributed across six boat categories. Men's Single Sculls (M1X): Arvind Singh. Men's Double Sculls (M2X): Navdeep Singh, Kulwinder Singh. Men's Quadruple Sculls (M4X): Balraj Panwar, Satnam Singh, Jakar Khan, Salman Khan. Lightweight Men's Double Sculls (LM2X): Lakshay, Ujjwal Kumar Singh. Men's Coxed Eight (M4-): Jaswinder Singh, Nitin Kumar, Babulal Yadav, Yogesh Kumar, Ghurde Vipul Satish, Saurav Kumar, Iqbal Singh, Sannee Kumar, Dhananjay Uttam Pande. Women's Coxless Fours (W4-): Gurbani Kaur, Poonam, Tendenthoi, Aleena Anto.
Broader Development Pathway
While the primary focus for most of the inducted athletes is the Asian Games 2026 cycle, select crews are also being developed with an eye on future competitions, including the Commonwealth Games 2030, which India is set to host. Notably, rowing has not featured in the Commonwealth Games since the 1986 Edinburgh edition, but is reportedly in line for a return at the centenary edition of the Games.
Building Bench Strength
The induction reflects a strategic shift in Indian rowing — moving away from backing only individual medal contenders toward building sustainable depth across multiple boat categories. This comes amid India's broader push to strengthen Olympic-pathway infrastructure ahead of two marquee multi-sport events on the horizon. With the Asian Games 2026 less than 18 months away, the TOPS support will provide these athletes with funding, coaching, and competitive exposure on the World Cup circuit.
Point of View
Though the real test will be whether TOPS funding translates into podium finishes at Aichi-Nagoya. India's rowing record at Asian Games has been modest, and the 2026 cycle is arguably the deepest preparation window the sport has ever received. The Commonwealth Games 2030 angle adds an intriguing long-term dimension, but rowing's return to that event is not yet confirmed — building infrastructure around an uncertain inclusion carries its own risk.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rowers have been inducted into the TOPS Development Group for Asian Games 2026?
A total of 22 rowers were inducted at the MOC's 174th meeting on 1 June 2025, spread across six boat categories. Notable names include Paris 2024 Olympian Balraj Panwar, Asian Games 2022 silver medalist Arvind Singh, and double medalist Jaswinder Singh.
What is the TOPS Development Group?
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group is a Government of India programme that provides financial support, coaching, and competitive exposure to elite athletes identified as future Olympic and international medal prospects. Athletes in the Development Group are on a pathway to the elite TOPS core group.
Which events are these rowers being prepared for?
The primary target is the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, along with the World Cup circuit. Some crews are also part of a longer development pathway aimed at the Commonwealth Games 2030, which India is set to host.
When did rowing last feature in the Commonwealth Games?
Rowing last appeared at the Commonwealth Games in 1986 at the Edinburgh edition. The sport has been absent from the Games since then, but is reportedly being considered for inclusion at the centenary edition in India in 2030.
How were the rowers selected for the TOPS Development Group?
The list was finalised following the completion of annual national selection trials and crew finalisation by the Rowing Federation of India (RFI), before being approved by the Mission Olympic Cell at its 174th meeting.
