Asian Games 2026: Satnam and Salman win a historic bronze

At the end of the men’s double sculls event at the 2026 Asian Games, Salman Khan had his burly hand held up by a volunteer as he navigated the short, 10-foot ramp out of the water on trembling legs.

They completed the race in 6.13 mins, just under three seconds behind second-placed Uzbekistan pair of Mekhrojbek Mamatkulov and Pavel Sorin. China’s Yi Xudi, Nie Yide (6:09.77) won the gold.

Even as he lay on his back, Satnam cried out: “ Gold chala gaya (we lost the gold).”

As uncharitable as they were to themselves, the two had still made history. Not only were they the first Indian duo to achieve a podium finish in this event in the Games history, they were also the only Indian rowers to win a medal in Nagoya.

They were meant to take part in the men’s quadruple sculls, considered the marquee event.