Lucknow: Inspired by the remarkable success of Gorakhpur’s Ramgarh Tal as a premier rowing destination, the Uttar Pradesh Rowing Association (UPRA) has resolved to revive rowing infrastructure in Lucknow and establish the state capital as a second major training hub for the sport.
The roadmap was discussed during a special session on “The Growth of Rowing in Uttar Pradesh and the Road Ahead”, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Rowing Association at Avadh Gymkhana Club in Lucknow on Sunday. The discussion brought together sports administrators, national-level rowers and stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening rowing across the state.
National rower and UPRA Technical Secretary S.M. Bhatt, along with national rower and Association Vice-President Ajay Bhadauria, highlighted the progress made in recent years. They noted that the successful organisation of several national and international-standard events at Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur has significantly enhanced Uttar Pradesh’s reputation in Indian rowing. According to the speakers, the natural water course and modern facilities at Ramgarh Tal have demonstrated that the venue is now capable of hosting international rowing championships.
While praising Gorakhpur’s achievements, the speakers also reflected on Lucknow’s rich rowing legacy, recalling that the city had previously hosted several prestigious national competitions. They, however, observed that the capital currently lacks the essential infrastructure required to nurture the sport.
The panel emphasised that reviving rowing facilities in Lucknow would create two strong training centres—Gorakhpur and Lucknow—providing athletes with better opportunities for practice and competition while strengthening the state’s overall rowing ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Member of the Legislative Council and UP Rowing Association Patron Pawan Singh Chauhan said the success achieved by Gorakhpur should now be expanded across Uttar Pradesh. He assured participants that every possible effort would be made at the government level to revive rowing in Lucknow and develop the necessary infrastructure.
Chairing the session, Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association Treasurer Dr. Syed Rafat Zubair Rizvi said rowing in the state is witnessing renewed momentum and growing enthusiasm among athletes. He stressed the need to find practical solutions for restoring Lucknow’s rowing facilities and assured the Association of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association’s full support in its efforts.
The event also witnessed key organisational appointments. Prominent Lucknow entrepreneur and social worker Vishwas Swarup Agarwal was appointed Vice-President of the Uttar Pradesh Rowing Association in recognition of his contributions to sports and social causes. Gorakhpur-based social worker Jai Yaduvanshi was named Joint Secretary, while sports enthusiast Manoj Bajpai of Lucknow was appointed Vice-Chairman.
Concluding the programme, Association Secretary Sudhir Sharma welcomed the new appointments and reiterated that although Gorakhpur has emerged as the state’s primary rowing hub, establishing an alternative rowing centre in Lucknow with modern infrastructure would provide athletes with two high-quality training venues and help elevate Uttar Pradesh’s standing in national rowing.
In a message sent to the event, Sports Director Dr. R.P. Singh stated that if the Association submits a concrete proposal for restarting rowing activities in Lucknow, it would be considered positively in accordance with government rules.
Among those present were UPRA Vice-President Hiralal Yadav, Competition Commission Chairman Puneet Agarwal, Umpire Commission Chairman Rakesh Shukla, Joint Secretary Sandeep Arora, Legal Committee Chairman Paritosh Sharma, Sangh Pracharak Santendra Tripathi, Alkesh Soti, and Somesh Yadav, along with several officials and rowing enthusiasts.
