Rowing
Rowing is racing boats over straight water, the first boat to get its bow to the finish line winning. Up to six crews race side by side, each in its own lane, over 2,000 metres. There are nine boat classes, from the single sculls for one rower to the eight with eight rowers and a coxswain; in sculling each rower has two oars.
Checked 20 October 2026
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How long
Up to six crews side by side over 2,000 metres
Lengths are from the rule book.
The big events, and why they matter
- 1Olympic Games (rowing)The title rowing is measured by.Every 4 years · Holder: 14 events; the Netherlands won 4, Great Britain 3
- 2World Rowing ChampionshipsThe sport's own world title.Yearly, except Olympic years (Amsterdam 2026; Lucerne 2027) · Holder: 23 events; the Netherlands won 4
- 3Asian Games (rowing)Asia's multi-sport title; for India often the most reachable major medal.Every 4 years · Holder: 14 events; China won 9
India
- Rowing at the Olympic Games: No medal; Indian rowers at every Games from 2000; best place 11th, men's lightweight double sculls, Tokyo 2020
- World Rowing Championships: No medal
Countries to know
India and the nations that have done best, biggest titles first.
- IndiaRowing at the Asian Games: 2 golds, 7 silvers, 20 bronzes (latest 2026)
- Great BritainRowing at the Olympic Games: 34 golds, 27 silvers, 17 bronzes (latest 2024); World Rowing Championships: 93 golds, 86 silvers, 69 bronzes (latest 2026)
- United StatesRowing at the Olympic Games: 34 golds, 32 silvers, 25 bronzes (latest 2024); World Rowing Championships: 72 golds, 88 silvers, 105 bronzes (latest 2026)
- East GermanyRowing at the Olympic Games: 33 golds, 7 silvers, 8 bronzes (latest 1988); World Rowing Championships: 92 golds, 43 silvers, 25 bronzes (latest 1990)
- GermanyRowing at the Olympic Games: 24 golds, 16 silvers, 15 bronzes (latest 2024); World Rowing Championships: 84 golds, 86 silvers, 82 bronzes (latest 2026)
- ItalyRowing at the Olympic Games: 11 golds, 16 silvers, 16 bronzes (latest 2024); World Rowing Championships: 96 golds, 77 silvers, 63 bronzes (latest 2026)
Who runs it
| Rules made by | World Rowing, Rules of Racing and Related Bye-Laws, last updated 1 July 2025 |
| International federation | World Rowing (formerly FISA) |
| In India | Rowing Federation of India (RFI): recognised, on the MYAS list for 2026 |
Where and when it is played
On a straight course of lanes, 2,000 metres long. The big events: the Olympic Games every four years and the World Rowing Championships every year except Olympic years.