Indian para-athletes made a powerful statement at the 2025 Asian Indoor Para Rowing Championship in Pattaya, Thailand, clinching 17 medals on Day 2 alone, including seven golds. Among the standout performances were Ms. Anita, daughter of Naib Subedar Dhanna Ram Khichar and Subedar Narayana K, who won gold in the Women’s and Men’s PR3 Physical Disability categories, respectively.
Their victories were celebrated by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), who praised their determination and the institutions supporting their recovery. Both athletes underwent post-amputation rehabilitation at the Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) in Pune, where they were equipped with the innovative ‘ALCRowingFoot’—a custom-engineered prosthetic designed to support the rigorous ankle movements required in rowing.
Ms. Anita, daughter of Hony Nb Sub Dhanna Ram Khichar (Retd.), made headlines by securing her second gold medal of the championship, having already won the PR3 PD 500 meters event. Sub Narayana K’s win added to India’s growing reputation in the international para-rowing arena.
India’s medal sweep continued with golds from Gursewak Singh and Gouri Nanda in the Under-19 mixed 2km pair event, Aditya Ravindra Kedari and Harpreet Kaur in the Masters’ mixed pair (30-39), Alan Joshy in the Men’s Under-19 500m, and Paspula Krishna Rao in the Men’s Masters 50-59 lightweight 500m.
The ALC, established in 1944 to rehabilitate injured military personnel, has become a global leader in prosthetic innovation. Its development of the ‘ALCRowingFoot’ demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to sports rehabilitation. Designed to meet the unique biomechanical demands of rowing, the prosthetic has proven instrumental in enabling para-athletes to compete—and succeed—on international platforms.
The PR3 classification allows athletes with physical or visual impairments to compete using their legs, trunk, and arms, promoting inclusivity while requiring a high level of physical function. The success of India’s PR3 athletes at the championship underscores the significance of specialized training and equipment in adaptive sports.
India’s achievements in Pattaya highlight a larger narrative of national commitment to para-sports and the integration of advanced medical and technical support. Institutions like the ALC, under the guidance of the DGAFMS, are redefining rehabilitation and competitive potential for para-athletes, placing India at the forefront of global adaptive sports excellence.
