PANAJI
The Indian Navy emerged as overall champions at the 1st Beach Sprint National Rowing & Sculling Championship 2026, while Maharashtra claimed the prestigious Manohar Parrikar Rolling Trophy in the Women’s category at the historic event held at Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula.
The championship marked India’s first national-level competition in the Olympic-recognised Beach Sprint coastal rowing format. The landmark event placed Goa firmly on the national rowing map.
The championship witnessed participation from 19 states and defence units competing in the high-intensity Beach Sprint format, which combines sand sprints, swift boat launches, sea-course rowing, and dramatic sprint finishes.
Organised under the aegis of the Rowing Federation of India, the championship was hosted by the Rowing & Sculling Association De Goa in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa and the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Goa, with support from the Sports Authority of India. The event was powered by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and supported by the Department of Information & Publicity, Government of Goa.
The Manohar Parrikar Rolling Trophy, instituted in memory of former Defence Minister and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, was awarded to Maharashtra for their outstanding performance in the Women’s category.
The championship concluded on February 28 with a medal and closing ceremony graced by Chief Guest Amitabh Sharma.
