Palembang: The Indian rowing contingent redeemed itself by winning three medals, including a historic gold in quadruple sculls, on the final day of the competition at the 18th Asian Games here. The rowers had to overcome the unexpected and disastrous outing on Thursday, when they were in contention for four medals, to ensure that India doesn't return home empty handed from the Jakabaring lake.
All Army men, mostly from humble backgrounds, fought with the never-say-die spirit that soldiers are best known for. They pushed their boats as if there was no tomorrow.
"Yesterday we had a bad day but soldiers never give up. I told my teammates that we will go for the gold and we will give it all. It was about karo ya maro (do or die). And we did it," said Sawarn Singh, seniormost member of the gold-winning quadruple sculls team. He not only pushed himself to the limit but his words of encouragement fired up his teammates, including Dattu Baban Bhokanal, who had given up midway into his single sculls race on Thursday.
The other members of the triumphant team were Sukhmeet Singh, who like Sawarn is from Mansa district in Punab, and Om Prakash.