Asian Games 2026: Satnam Singh and Salman Khan Win Historic Rowing Bronze in Men’s Double Sculls

India opened its medal account on Day 5 of the Asian Games 2026 with a historic bronze medal in the men’s double sculls, as Satnam Singh and Salman Khan finished third in a thrilling final at Aichi-Nagoya.

The Indian duo clocked 6:13.25 to secure the bronze, finishing behind China’s Xudi Yi and Yide Nie, who won gold in 6:09.77, and Uzbekistan’s Pavel Sorin and Mekhrojbek Mamatkulov, who took silver in 6:10.49. The medal is particularly significant for Indian rowing, as it marks India’s first Asian Games medal in the men’s double sculls event, according to the supplied information.

It also provided a dramatic turnaround within the race itself, with the Indian pair moving from third to second during the final stages before ultimately finishing third.

Satnam and Salman were in the medal positions through much of the race. At the halfway mark, after 1,000 metres, the Indian duo occupied third position, trailing the Chinese and Uzbek crews. With 500 metres remaining, however, the Indians produced a strong push and moved into second place.

The possibility of silver suddenly appeared within reach. But the Indian pair could not maintain that position all the way to the finish. Uzbekistan's Sorin and Mamatkulov eventually reclaimed second, while China remained in control at the front. The final timings reflected just how close the medal race was.

China crossed the line in 6:09.77, Uzbekistan followed in 6:10.49, while India finished third in 6:13.25. For Satnam and Salman, the result meant a place on the Asian Games podium.

A Medal After a Dramatic Morning for Indian Rowing

The men's double sculls final followed another dramatic rowing final involving India. Earlier in the morning, Balraj Panwar competed in the men's single sculls final.

Balraj was in medal contention at the halfway stage and occupied second place with 500 metres remaining. However, he could not hold onto the position during the final stretch and eventually finished fourth. China's Zhiwei Deng won gold in 6:38.98, Uzbekistan's Shakhboz Kholmurzaev took silver in 6:41.83, while Japan's Tatsuya Sakurama won bronze in 6:46.78.

Balraj finished fourth in 6:54.80. The disappointment of missing out on the podium was followed shortly afterwards by India's breakthrough in the double sculls.

For Salman Khan, the bronze medal represents the culmination of a remarkable journey. Before finding his place in Indian rowing, Salman faced significant financial hardship. Following the death of his father, he took on work to help support his family and at one point worked as an Uber driver.

His sporting journey changed after he joined the Indian Army in 2018. Through the Army, Salman gradually established himself in rowing and progressed through the national ranks.

His record includes a gold medal at the 2022 National Games, another gold at the 2023 Senior Nationals, and gold at the 2024 Asian Rowing Cup. He then won silver at the 2025 Asian Rowing Championships before reaching the Asian Games podium in 2026. The bronze in Aichi-Nagoya therefore adds another major milestone to a career that has developed from difficult personal circumstances to international success.

The Satnam-Salman combination has now delivered a landmark result for Indian rowing. Their 6:13.25 was enough to secure third place in a tightly contested final and give India its first medal in the men's double sculls at the Asian Games, as stated in the supplied information. The medal also demonstrates the depth of India's rowing contingent at Aichi-Nagoya, with several crews reaching finals across different categories.

For Satnam and Salman, however, the morning belongs entirely to their podium finish. They started the final in medal position, moved into second during the crucial final 500 metres and ultimately held on for bronze.

India's First Medal of Day 5

The men's double sculls bronze was also India's first medal of Day 5 at the Asian Games 2026.

It came after a morning that had already produced contrasting emotions for Indian rowing Balraj Panwar's fourth-place finish followed by the breakthrough medal for Satnam Singh and Salman Khan.

China topped the men's double sculls final, Uzbekistan secured silver and India completed the podium. For Salman, the journey from financial hardship and working to support his family to an Asian Games podium is a significant chapter in his sporting career.

For Indian rowing, Satnam Singh and Salman Khan have created a new benchmark.

Bronze in the men's double sculls. A first Asian Games medal in the event for India. And another historic moment for Indian rowing at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.