Indian rower Dattu Bhokanal has qualified for the Olympics in single sculls by virtue of his second place, in a field of 20 competitors, in the final of the FISA Asian and Oceania Olympic qualification regatta in Chungju (Korea), according to India’s chief National rowing coach Ismail Baig.
The 25-year-old, who started rowing in August 2012, made a huge impact on the National scene, winning two gold medals for Services in the 33rd National rowing championship.
He represented India in the last Asian Games in Korea and at the 16th Asian championships in China where he won a silver medal.
Fantastic achievementBaig said that Bhokanal’s qualification was a fantastic achievement given the fact that he started rowing only four years ago.
“He has the talent, grit and determination to go to places. The best part is that he always tries to keep improving,” the chief coach commented.
“It is remarkable that an Indian rower will be there in the Olympics for the fifth straight edition since 2000 Sydney Games. This is great news for the Indian rowing fraternity itself. I am really grateful to the RFI for all the support over the years,” Baig commented.
However, in lightweight men’s double sculls, Vikram Singh and Roopendra Singh failed to make the cut to Rio.
