New Delhi, Feb 1(.) The Army Rowing Node (ARN), located at the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, has been honoured with the prestigious World Rowing Programme of the Year Award 2025 by World Rowing, the international governing body for the sport of rowing.
The award ceremony was held on January 24, 2026, at Lausanne, Switzerland.
The ceremony was attended by the Commanding Officer, Army Rowing Node, Col Ramakrishna, along with the President of India Rowing, Balaji Maradappa, and other representatives of India Rowing, who were present to witness this historic moment. They represented the Indian Army and the Indian rowing fraternity at this prestigious global event.
The Army Rowing Node was established in 2001 and placed under the Mission Olympic Wing (MOW) as part of the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of winning Olympic medals for the nation through Army sportsmen. In its formative years, rowing training activities were conducted near the Mula–Mutha River before the establishment of a permanent facility.
In 2005, the Indian Army initiated the development of a state-of-the-art rowing facility of international standards, with construction commencing soon thereafter. The facility was commissioned in 2009, following which the Army Rowing Node was shifted to its present location within the CME campus, Pune.
The international-standard rowing complex comprises a 2.2 km long, 135 m wide, and 3.5 m deep rowing channel, equipped with a starter hut, aligner huts, and finish towers at 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, and 2000 m (finish line).
Supporting infrastructure includes a modern gymnasium, a spectator gallery with seating capacity of 600, a boathouse complex accommodating up to 120 boats, and comprehensive residential and dining facilities for athletes. The Army Rowing Node remains the only rowing facility in India capable of hosting international rowing competitions.
At any given time, approximately 85 rowers undergo systematic and scientific training at ARN. Athletes are inducted into the programme upon joining the Army based on defined performance parameters and are categorised into Elite, Intermediate, and Novice groups.
The programme is administered by a dedicated team comprising two Officers, twelve Coaches, and specialist support staff, ensuring holistic athlete development.
Over the years, Army Rowing Node athletes have brought immense pride to the nation and the Indian Army, winning over 590 National medals and 129 International medals. The Node has produced 15 Arjuna Awardees, two Dronacharya Awardees, one Padma Shri Awardee, two Dhyan Chand Awardees, and 11 Olympians, standing as a powerful testament to its excellence, discipline, and enduring legacy.
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