Balraj aspiring for India's best finish at upcoming Paris Olympics

IF being the lone entry from the country was not enough, Balraj Panwar will find himself all alone on his boat when the rowing competition starts at the Paris Olympics on July 27.

- FIROZ MIRZA

Qualifying for the Games in the single sculls, the rower from Haryana knows the challenges that will be thrown at him at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium would be immense.

Mental toughness will play a big role if he wishes to surpass the best show by Indian rowers at the Olympics. For record, Arvind Singh and Arjun Lal Jat's 11th-placed finish in the lightweight men's double sculls in Tokyo has been the best show by Indian rowers in the Games' history. "In other rowing events, you have a partner to discuss things and chalk out strategies as per the changing scenario but that's not the case in single sculls. Mental fortitude comes into play here. Self-motivation becomes important," Balraj told journalists on Thursday during a virtual media interaction organised jointly by the Sports Authority of India, India Olympic Association and the Rowing Federation of India.