From Uber Driver to Asian Games Medallist: Salman Khan Makes Rowing History

From Uber Driver to Asian Games Medallist: Salman Khan Makes Rowing History

Indian rowers Salman Khan and Satnam Singh created history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya by winning bronze in the men’s double sculls, giving India its first-ever medal in the event. The duo clocked 6:13.25 in the final, finishing behind gold medallists China and silver medallists Uzbekistan.

The medal marked Salman’s first Asian Games podium and capped a remarkable journey that began far away from professional rowing. Born in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, Salman became the eldest sibling responsible for supporting his family after his father died of dengue when he was 18. He moved to Delhi and worked as an Uber driver before returning to his dream of joining the Indian Army.

Salman joined the Bombay Engineer Group in Pune in September 2018, where Army coaches introduced him to rowing after noticing his physical potential. Despite initially being reluctant, he soon began winning medals at regattas and later joined the Army Rowing Node at CME Pune.

His career progressed rapidly, with national titles, international medals and selection under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. He also earned promotion to Naib Subedar after winning gold at the Asian Rowing Cup in 2024.

Satnam, a former national-level handball player from Punjab, switched to rowing in 2018. He had already won an Asian Games bronze in 2023 as part of India’s quadruple sculls team.

The pair were moved into the double sculls shortly before the competition after a reshuffle in India’s rowing contingent. Despite the late change, they remained in medal contention throughout the final and secured a historic bronze.

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Published: Sep 24, 2026

cricket blog team

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