“Army Rowing Node (ARN), Punehas been awarded the award for Best Rowing Club Program by World Rowing, establishing itself as the best in the world. Awarded in Lausanne, Switzerland, this historic honor reflects the relentless discipline, commitment and teamwork of ARN, Mission Olympics Wing and CME, Pune,” read a post on X of the Indian Army.

The winners of the 2025 World Rowing Awards were revealed on Saturday evening in Lausanne, Switzerland, at a gala evening held at the Olympic Museum. The World Rowing website said: “The Army Rowing Node (ARN Rowing club) in Pune is a model of India’s commitment to combining discipline, innovation and inclusivity in the sport. Established under the auspices of the College of Military Engineering (CME), ARN represents the country’s premier rowing development center – a program where military precision meets modern athletic science. It is not simply a facility, but a living institution designed to cultivate champions and leaders through the principles of resilience, work as a team, and national pride.”

The website added: “The Node features a two-kilometre world-class rowing channel, a fully equipped boathouse and modern facilities for ergometer training, sports science and athlete recovery. Within this ecosystem, approximately 300 athletes train daily, following programs that fuse traditional Army discipline with the latest in sports periodization performance methodology. This dual philosophy ensures that each athlete under the guidance of ARN develops physical capacity and spiritual and mental resilience, attributes that define success not only in the water but in all aspects of life.”

Speaking to Express, Colonel R Ramakrishnan, the NRA Commander who received the award in Lausanne on behalf of the node, said: “This is the first time that a club has been nominated and won the award. In the coming years, apart from the best programme, I wish to see the award for the best coach and the best team coming from India. That will be the way forward for the growth of the sport in India.”

Since its inception, the ARN has not only given the country the best of its rowers but has also dominated the international medals won by India. All Olympians in the sport of Rowing are also RNA prodigies. The students of the node have won many national and international medals. The node comprises a multi-lane rowing track that meets World Rowing standards. The canal design consists of a length of 2200 m, a width of 135 m and a depth of 3.5 m as per international standards. In addition to the canal, the infrastructure includes a pier complex, gymnasium, spectator gallery, race control towers, finishing tower and essential external services.