Balraj Panwar's Pursuit at Paris Olympics: A Rowing Challenge

Balraj Panwar, India's representative in rowing at the Paris Olympics, finished fifth in his quarterfinals heat of the men's single sculls event. Clocking 7 minutes and 5.10 seconds, he will now compete in the C/D semifinals. The top three finishers in each heat progress to the A/B semifinals, with medals awarded in Final A.

Balraj Panwar, India's sole rowing contender at the Paris Olympics, finished fifth in his quarterfinal heat for the men's single sculls event on Tuesday. Clocking a time of 7 minutes and 5.10 seconds, Panwar will now compete in the C/D semifinals, which determine positions 13th to 24th.

The quarterfinal heat was won by Individual Neutral Athlete Yauheni Zalaty, who completed the race in 6:49.27. Giedrius Bieliauskas of Lithuania and Ryuta Arakawa of Japan finished second and third, respectively, with times of 6:51.80 and 6:54.17.

Panwar advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing second in his repechage round race, following a fourth-place finish in his initial heat. Those who placed in the top three of each quarterfinal heat advance to the A/B semifinals, while others compete in the C/D semifinals. Only the top three finishers in the Final A are awarded medals.

(With inputs from agencies.)