Indian para-athletes showcased remarkable talent at the ongoing 2025 Asian Indoor Para Rowing Championship in Pattaya, Thailand, amassing a staggering total of 17 medals on the second day of competition, including an impressive seven golds. Among the notable achievements, Ms. Anita, daughter of Naib Subedar Dhanna Ram Khichar, claimed gold in the Women’s PR3 Physical Disability category, while Subedar Narayana K triumphed in the Men’s PR3 category.
The achievements of these athletes were met with accolades from Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). In a public statement, Sarin commended Ms. Anita and Sub Narayana K for their outstanding performances, acknowledging the essential role of their rehabilitation programs and the unwavering support from institutions that aided in their journey. Both athletes underwent rigorous post-amputation rehabilitation at the Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) in Pune, where they were fitted with the innovative ‘ALCRowingFoot.’ This custom-designed prosthetic enables the demanding ankle movements required in rowing, enhancing their performance capabilities.
Ms. Anita’s accomplishment marks her second gold medal at the championship, further establishing her in the para-rowing landscape after her previous victory in the PR3 PD 500 meters event. Meanwhile, Sub Narayana K’s success adds to India’s emerging reputation in international para-rowing.
India’s medal tally continued to grow with impressive performances across various events. Gursewak Singh and Gouri Nanda earned gold in the Under-19 mixed 2km pair event, while Aditya Ravindra Kedari and Harpreet Kaur excelled in the Masters’ mixed pair (30-39) division. Additional golds were secured by Alan Joshy in the Men’s Under-19 500m and Paspula Krishna Rao in the Men’s Masters 50-59 lightweight 500m event.
The ALC, which has been rehabilitating injured military personnel since its inception in 1944, has become a trailblazer in prosthetic technology. The development of the ‘ALCRowingFoot’ underscores the center’s commitment to addressing the unique biomechanical challenges faced by para-athletes in rowing, proving instrumental in equipping them for competitive success on international stages.
The PR3 classification empowers athletes with physical or visual impairments to compete using their lower and upper limbs, promoting inclusivity while demanding a high level of physical fitness. The success of Indian athletes participating in this classification highlights the importance of tailored training and specialized equipment in the realm of adaptive sports.
India’s achievements in Pattaya reflect a broader commitment to para-sports and signify an integration of advanced medical and technical support systems. Institutions like the ALC, operating under the guidance of DGAFMS, are redefining the potential for rehabilitation and competition among para-athletes, positioning India as a leader in global adaptive sports excellence.
