World Asian Rowing Paralympic Qualifier 2024: Anita and Kongannapalle Narayana secure Paris Olympics 2024 quota
In the new Paralympic boat class, para Mix Double Sculls event (PR3 Mix2x), India's para-rowers Anita and Kongannapalle Narayana secured the gold medal and their quota for the Paris Paralympics 2024.
The Indian duo clocked 7:50:80 seconds to help India win the gold medal in the para Mix Double Sculls event in the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta 2024 held in South Korea.
The Indian pair will be in Paris this summer for the Paralympic Games, pending confirmation of their respective NPCs. On the other hand, Thailand's duo Chintana Chueasaart and Poramin Phongamthippayakul secured the silver medal, clocking 8:39.85 seconds to cross the finishing line.
Notably, para-rowing rules are almost identical to those used at the Olympic Games. Rowers are eligible for different events according to their gender and impairment category: PR1, PR2 or PR3
PR3 mixed double sculls (PR3 Mix2x) is reserved for rowers with arm, trunk, and leg function. The team is made up of two rowers – a male and a female athlete – each of whom has two oars.
Anita and Narayana Konganapalle previously won silver medal in Asian Para Games
Anita and Narayana Konganapalle previously secured a silver medal in PR3 Mixed Doubles Sculls at the fourth Asian Para Games.
It’s important to note that the Indian para contingent secured 111 medals in the Asian Para Games 2022 and the mixed doubles pair achieved a podium finish with a remarkable timing of 8:50.71, further solidifying India's presence in the global para-sporting arena.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, congratulated Anita and Narayana Konganapalle after clinching the silver medal in the Asian Para Games. In his tweet, he hailed their teamwork and dedication, stating that their achievement has filled the nation with pride.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
"Congratulations to Anita and Narayana Konganapalle for their exceptional Silver Medal in Rowing - PR3 Mixed Double Sculls. Their teamwork and dedication have shone brilliantly! This achievement fills the nation with pride."
The 2024 World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta concluded in Korea. A total of fourteen Olympic and three Paralympic spots were grabbed from the qualifying event.