Indian rowers consider ministry complaint over Asian Games crew changes

Members of the Indian men’s rowing team are considering filing a formal complaint with the sports ministry following controversial last-minute crew changes during the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.

The reshuffle, implemented by team management just days before the competition began, involved moving athletes between various events, including the double sculls, quadruple sculls, single sculls, and coxless four. Athletes expressed frustration, stating that the sudden changes disrupted the synchronization and rhythm essential for rowing performance. Some team members had previously threatened to skip training sessions and go on strike in protest of these decisions.

While the Rowing Federation of India has defended the changes, the affected rowers described themselves as feeling “helpless” and forced to compete under conditions dictated by coaches and the federation. The controversy specifically involves the 17 male rowers and does not affect the five female members of the contingent.