Last Updated:August 22, 2025, 15:40 IST
Arjun Lal Jat, Tokyo 2020 Olympian and Hangzhou Asian Games silver medallist, returns from injury at KIWSF, aiming for a national medal for LA28.
Indian rower Arjun Lal. (PC: X)
Rower Arjun Lal Jat, with his ‘Tokyo 2020’ tattoo, dreams of competing in LA28 and adding another tattoo below it. To achieve this, he needs to regain peak fitness after a two-year recovery from a severe lower-back injury that made him miss the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers.
The injury has deeply affected Jat, a Hangzhou Asian Games silver medallist, who is now aiming to get back in competitive shape. He chose the Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) to test his fitness after two years.
“I suffered a back injury before the Paris Olympic qualifiers, which sidelined me for over a year and a half. Gradually, I am getting back to practice. Competing in single sculls at KIWSF will boost my confidence for the National Championships in December,” said Jat, who, alongside Arvind Singh, achieved India’s highest Olympic position in men’s lightweight double sculls by finishing 11th.
Jat, now 28, has resumed training in the Yamuna river in Delhi and is hopeful of winning a medal at the national championships to regain his place in the national camp.
“I’ve returned to Delhi from the Army Nodal Unit in Pune and train at Sonia Vihar side of the Wazirabad Bridge in the Yamuna. I stay at the Army’s Supply Platoon near Vishwavidyalaya for convenient travel,” said the two-time Asian Championship gold medallist.
Reflecting on his injury, Jat recalls the pain during training in China for the Olympic qualifiers. This KIWSF is his first competition after the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.
Jat did not consult a full-time physio, instead relying on advice from a BSF physio and prescribed exercises. “I am fine now. The issue with my lower back muscles is resolved.”
Not only did he lose his national camp spot, but he was also downgraded in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). However, he remains in the TOPS developmental group and hopes a medal at Nationals will reinstate him in the ‘core’ group.
“The government has supported me a lot. I aim to return to the elite level quickly. Competing at KIWSF tests my endurance for the nationals in December, where a medal will secure my place in the national camp,” Jat says, proudly glancing at his tattoo.
Jat, who is a popular figure among aspiring rowers, says, “I enjoy a superstar status among youngsters; they ask for selfies. Everyone recognises me here.”
He is not setting any long-term targets yet. “My first goal is to win a national medal. The competition has grown since my injury, and the country has progressed in water sports.”
Jat also hopes to reunite with his partner Arvind Singh. “We can renew our doubles partnership if I return to the national camp. Arvind is in Pune and also has a back problem, but not as severe as mine. Back injuries are common in rowing.”
National coach Ismail Baig believes Jat needs to work hard to rejoin the national camp. “He has been out for more than a year and a half. He was with me for 7-8 years and played in the Asian championships, Asian Games, and Tokyo Olympics. Arjun and Arvind elevated India’s position by finishing 11th in the Olympics, but the past is past. He must prove himself at the nationals to get back into the camp. We have regular conversations, but he has to do the hard work,” said the veteran coach.
News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!News sports ‘Tokyo 2020’ Tattoo Not Enough, Arjun Lal Aims To Add LA28 One After Back InjuryDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
AloJapan.com