CANOEING A SPORT ON THE RISE

Canoeing has recently emerged as a prominent sport, garnering attention for its impressive haul of medals in both Asian and global competitions. At the recently concluded Asian Canoeing Championship in Uzbekistan, India achieved remarkable success, clinching an impressive total of 40 medals, a testament to the dedication and hard work of these athletes,

- Milind Dhamdhere

Indian athletes won 17 medals, including four golds, while the para-athletes category secured 23 medals, including eight golds. This exceptional performance can be attributed to the establishment of the training academy in Bhopal, which has received unwavering support from the Indian government and the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The triumph at the Asian Canoeing Championship has undoubtedly boosted the morale of our players, particularly with major events such as the World Cup, World Championship, and Asian Games on the horizon.

Captain Pijush Kanti Baroi, who trains the able players, and Mayank Thakur, the chief coach for the para-athletes, shared insights into the success of Indian players and their plans for future competitions.

Water Training: The Crucial Ingredient

Water training plays a pivotal role in aquatic events, enabling athletes to acclimate themselves and develop proficiency in their craft. Baroi emphasises, “The key to our success lies in the amount of time players spend practising the proper handling of boats. Since 2006, I have been coaching Canoeing, and when I assumed the role of national team coach, I emphasised the significance of water training. Previously, players had limited exposure to water practice. Now, I ensure that each player engages in at least 10 to 12 km of Canoeing every day, with ample rest intervals between races.”

Meticulous Player Selection