Panjab University frontrunner to host inter-university rowing meet

The Directorate of Sports at Panjab University is likely to be awarded hosting rights for the All India Inter-University Rowing Championships for men and women, after IES University, Bhopal, reportedly expressed its inability to conduct the meet due.

The Bhopal-based university was originally scheduled to host the event from April 14 to 18. However, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has now approached Panjab University to step in as host. The university has agreed in principle to conduct the championship at Sukhna Lake, though final confirmation from the AIU is still awaited.

If approved, this would be the third AIU event hosted by Panjab University, following the North-East Zone Weightlifting, Inter-Zonal Weightlifting and the All India Inter-University Gymnastics Championships.

“The AIU asked us whether we could organise the meet at short notice and we have agreed. We are now awaiting final approval before officially becoming the host,” said Dr Rakesh Malik, Director Sports, Panjab University.

It remains to be seen whether the championship dates will be revised. With water sports remaining active at Sukhna Lake, the venue is expected to provide a strong setting for the competition.

The lake has previously hosted the All India Inter-University Rowing Championships, organised by both Chandigarh University, Ghauran and Panjab University. In 2025, Lovely Professional University (LPU) topped the event with 11 gold, three silver and two bronze medals at Sukhna Lake, while in 2024 Chandigarh University secured 20 gold medals.

With four sets of boats — single scull, double and quadruple sculls — rowers from various universities will compete for top honours.

The development has also revived calls for rebuilding the four-storey watchtower at Sukhna Lake, which was gutted in 2009. The Chandigarh Rowing Association (CRA) has written to the UT Administration seeking its restoration at the lake island.