Rowing in India is a popular sport that involves propelling a boat through water to cover a specific distance in the quickest possible time. One or more people use wooden sticks as oars. Bajrang Lal Takhar hailing from Sikar District of Rajasthan, is one of the prolific rowers in India

In this game, the athletes of rowing compete against each other on lakes or rivers or sometimes on the ocean, depending, of course on the type of race or discipline. In rowing the boats are actually propelled by reaction forces on the ores blades as the same is pushed against the water. This sport can be played as both competitive and recreational purposes. For the former it involves learning the technique and for the latter overall fitness plays a major role.

History of Rowing
Rowing also happens to be one of the oldest Olympic sports. The earliest record of rowing as a sport can he traced back to Egyptian civilisation to about 1425 BC. This game was popular during the Roman period also. Rowing regattas were held for the first time in Venice around 300 AD. The oldest annual recorded race was from London Bridge to Chelsea held on 1 August, 7 776. India sees the rowing from the British era.

Modern Rowing
Modern rowing began around the beginning of the 19th century simultaneously in England, the USA and Australia. Founded in 1892, Federation of Internationale Des Societies D` Aviron (FISA) is the world governing body of rowing. The first major international tournament, European Championship, was organised in 1893, by the FISA. As a competitive game, rowing can be held in lakes, rivers, tidal waters or in coastal waters. Women`s rowing events have also become a part of the Olympic Games. Women`s European championship was inaugurated in 1954.

Rowing Federation of India
In India of course the game of rowing is taken care of by Rowing Federation of India (RFI). Rowing Federation of India (RFI) was set up in the year 1976 with an aim to promote rowing in India. It is also affiliated to Indian Olympic Association and the Federation Internationale des Societies Aviron. Rowing Federation of India (RFI) has around 20 state or national clubs affiliated under it. Over the years it has played a crucial role towards the promotion of the game. It was the British that brought this game to India, but as the time passed, with the setting up of various rowing clubs in India the game gained popularity among the people.