From Driving An Uber In Delhi To Asian Games Glory: Salman Khan Wins Historic Rowing Bronze For India

Yugcharan News / 24-09-2026

Salman Khan’s journey from working as an Uber driver in Delhi to winning a historic Asian Games medal has added a remarkable chapter to India’s rowing story. Salman, partnering with Satnam Singh, secured the bronze medal in the men’s double sculls event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, giving India its first-ever Asian Games medal in the event.

The Indian pair finished the final in 6 minutes and 13.25 seconds on Thursday, September 24. China’s Yi Shudi and Yide Ni won the gold medal, while Uzbekistan’s Pavel Shorin and Mekhrozbek Mamatkulov claimed silver.

For Salman, the medal represents the culmination of years of personal and sporting struggle. Originally from Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh, he took on family responsibilities after losing his father at a young age. Before entering the armed forces and beginning his rowing career, he worked in Delhi as an Uber driver to earn a living.

His journey eventually took him from the roads of Delhi to the international rowing arena, where he has now become part of a historic Indian medal-winning combination.

Indian Pair Remain In Medal Contention Throughout Race

The Indian duo remained among the leading competitors for much of the men's double sculls final.

According to the report, Salman and Satnam were in second position at the 500-metre, 1,000-metre and 1,500-metre marks. However, Uzbekistan moved ahead during the final 500 metres, pushing the Indian pair into third position.

Despite losing their second-place position in the closing stage, the Indian rowers maintained their pace and successfully secured the bronze medal.

Their final time of 6:13.25 placed them behind the Chinese gold-medal-winning combination and the Uzbekistani silver-medal winners.

The result has particular significance for Indian rowing because the bronze marks the country's first Asian Games medal in the men's double sculls event.

Salman Khan’s Journey From Delhi Driver To International Rower

Salman’s road to the Asian Games podium has been marked by a major change in his professional and sporting life.

A native of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, Salman lost his father at a young age and subsequently took on responsibilities for his family. He moved to Delhi, where he worked as an Uber driver as he sought to earn a livelihood.

His introduction to rowing came after he joined the Indian Army. Encouraged by coaches, he began training in the sport and gradually established himself as a competitive rower.

His performances at national and international competitions helped him progress through the Indian rowing system. Over time, he became an important member of the national rowing setup.

One of the notable milestones in his career came in 2024, when he won gold at the Asian Rowing Cup. Following that achievement, he was promoted to the rank of Naib Subedar in the Indian Army.

The Asian Games bronze is now another significant milestone in his sporting career and his first medal at the Asian Games.

Satnam Singh Brings Previous Asian Games Experience

Salman’s partner in the historic double sculls event, Satnam Singh, also has a distinctive sporting background.

Satnam is from Mansa district in Punjab and had previously competed at the national level in handball. He later moved into rowing after receiving advice from Olympian Swarn Singh Virk.

He began rowing in 2018 and represented India at the Youth Olympics during the same year.

Satnam went on to establish himself in Indian rowing and competed at major international events. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, he won a bronze medal in the men’s quadruple sculls event, earning his first Asian Games medal.

In 2025, he also won gold at the Asian Rowing Championships.

The bronze medal in Aichi-Nagoya therefore represents Satnam’s second Asian Games medal, while it marks Salman’s first.

Late Change In Event Produces Historic Result

The Indian rowing team underwent an important change shortly before the Asian Games.

Salman and Satnam had initially been part of the quadruple sculls team. However, they were subsequently moved into the double sculls event.

The late change required the rowers to quickly adapt to a different event and partnership structure. Despite the adjustment, the duo managed to produce a podium finish.

Their performance in the final ensured that the change ultimately resulted in a historic medal for Indian rowing in the men's double sculls.

The achievement also underlines the experience and adaptability of both rowers, who had previously competed in different combinations and events.

A Historic Medal For Indian Rowing

The bronze medal secured by Salman Khan and Satnam Singh is significant beyond their individual careers.

For Satnam, the result adds a second Asian Games medal to his record. For Salman, it represents his first medal at the continental multi-sport event.

For Indian rowing, however, the result has an additional historical dimension. The pair became the first Indian combination to win an Asian Games medal in the men’s double sculls event.

The achievement came after the Indian duo remained in medal contention for most of the final before Uzbekistan overtook them in the closing stages.

Despite that late change in position, the Indian rowers held on to third place and completed the race in 6:13.25.

Salman’s Journey Highlights Transformation Through Sport

Salman’s rise from earning a livelihood as an Uber driver in Delhi to representing India and winning an Asian Games medal has made his journey one of the notable stories emerging from the rowing competition.

His early responsibilities following his father’s death led him to focus on earning a living. His subsequent entry into the Indian Army introduced him to rowing and eventually opened a path to national and international competition.

Years of training and competition have now culminated in an Asian Games podium finish.

Satnam’s transition from handball to rowing provides another example of a sporting career taking an unexpected direction. Beginning rowing in 2018, he progressed to the national team and subsequently won medals at major international competitions.

Together, the two rowers have now added a new milestone to India’s Asian Games rowing record.

Their bronze in Aichi-Nagoya gives Indian rowing its first Asian Games medal in the men’s double sculls and places both athletes in the history of the country’s performance in the event.