That's the kind of water Bajrang Takhar, India's first ever rowing gold medal winner at the Asiad, trains in back home at Hyderabad

Rowing gold medallist Bajrang Takhar trained in filthy water

Rowing gold medallist Bajrang Takhar trained in filthy water

India's Bajrang Lal Takhar celebrates after winning gold in the
men's singles sculls race at the International Rowing Centre
yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

The Naik Subhedar of the Rajputana Rifles led the 200m race from start to finish, clocking 7:04.78 seconds for the gold ahead of Chinese Taipei's Wang Ming Hui (7:07.33), who took the silver and Iraq's Haeider Hamarasheid (7:10.10) won bronze. Bajrang capped what was a fine day for Indian rowers at the Asiad, with the men's eight team picking silver and the female duo of Pratima Puhana and Pramila Minz winning bronze in the women's pair event. It was also the first time an Indian female rower had won an Asiad medal in the sport.

Dirty
However, one thought about the team's training venue -- the Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad -- and the gold sheen is overshadowed by black silt that is spread across the length and breadth of the lake. "We have trained in the most difficult conditions. There was a time when the lake water was black and dirty, but we kept going and this gold is a reward for those trying times," Bajrang told MiD DAY at the Athletes Village.

National rowing coach Ismail Baig said: "Plastic bags and other waste would float towards us. However, we had no choice but to keep training. The stink emanating from the water could make anyone sick, especially affecting breathing since rowing requires a deep breathing pattern. Skin infections have also been a threat. Thankfully, the lake is being cleaned up now," Baig told MiD DAY.u00a0u00a0

u00a0The problem is, India does not have a single artificial training venue for the sport. "Artificial venues help in accurate training as the wind, water flow and other conditions can be altered to improve the athletes' performance and test endurance," said Baig, an India bronze medallist at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.
However, the natural Indian course has its advantages too. "Sometimes, harsh winds mean the athletes strength and stamina are put to the test. Also, if we have trained in India, we can perform anywhere in the world. Conversely, anyone, who trains at world-class venues, will struggle to survive even a day in Indian waters," said Baig.

Meanwhile, Rowing Federation of India joint secretary Rajinder Singh Bhanwala is hopeful that government and private participation brings in the requisite funds for an artificial training base. "Four to five crore is the cost of a brand new facility. Let's hope this gold medal attracts private sponsorship," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels