‘Focus on possible medals’: India rowing coach defends last-minute Asian Games changes

There is disenchantment among rowers at the Asian Games over last-minute changes in competition entries, but the head coach and the president of the Rowing Federation of India have said the decisions were made due to a curtailed programme and with the best chances of winning “big medals” in mind.“Due to the shortened regatta programme, I as the chief coach have made the decision to focus on possible medals, not individual comfort of athletes,” coach Antony Patterson told TOI in a text message on Monday.Balaji Maradapa, the RFI president, highlighted the difficult conditions due to heavy rain and the need to adapt because of the change in schedule.“Originally it was four plus one day of races. Now it is just two days and four sessions of races each day. How can you be doubling,” Balaji said, referring to rowers competing in two aligned events.For instance, a team of athletes taking part in doubles scull and pair, or two single scullers, might be combined to form a quadruple scull.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.