On the oars of success

SUKHMEET SINGH, 24, Rower, Mansa

BECAUSE

He won gold in rowing event in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. Jakarta was his first-ever international outing.

SECRET OF SUCCESS

Relentless practice is the key to my success. Rowing requires a lot of endurance so practicing for around seven hours a day is a must. I always try to keep a positive outlook. I am an army man so the zeal to make my country, state, district and parents proud motivates me to push myself harder. I was also very inspired by the movie Bhag Milkha Bhag. It is a matter of great pride to get an opportunity to wear India’s coat and represent the country.

MY GOAL NEXT

I am all geared up for the 2020 Olympics even though they are almost two years away. I am also preparing for the World Rowing Championship in 2019. If we are among the top 6, we will qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

MY ROLE MODEL

My role model is undoubtedly, award winning rower, Swaran Singh Virk, who hails from Mansa, my district. I was elated to get an opportunity to meet him in 2016 during an Army competition.

BY THE WAY

I am very fond of playing kabaddi. My guilty pleasure is buying clothes. I love going to the malls to look for clothes and shoes. It is an indulgence that I can afford now. When I was growing up, my parents were very poor and I used to often end up wearing hand-me-downs or shabby clothes.

SECOND OPINION

“He is the golden boy of rowing. He was able to clinch gold during his first attempt. He is a great potential.” —Swaran S Virk, gold medal winner in rowing at the 2018 Asian Games