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Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Siddharth Sunil's journey: From Asian Games miss to Asian champ
Siddharth Sunil CHENNAI: Following his decision to step away from rowing in 2018 after missing out on selection for the Asian Games, Tamil Nadu's Siddharth Sunil has made an impressive return. Siddharth decided to pursue the sport once again in 2023 and, fuelled by his unwavering passion, recently won gold in men's individual 2000m (30-39 age category) at the Asian Indoor Championships in Thailand. Siddharth clocked 6:25.10 to become the Asian champion. 'I picked up the sport again while doing my Masters in applied strength and conditioning in the UK. The country is one of the best for rowing and the standard is very high compared to India. When I returned to India, I carried a lot of things that I learnt there and it helped me,' Siddharth told TOI . 'When I decided to row again, my objective was not to make a comeback to the national team; rather, it was purely for the love of the sport. I found that my timings were good, and I was performing better than when I was doing it seriously.' While athletes usually have to hire a strength and conditioning coach to look after them, Siddharth does not need one to go elsewhere. Being a strength and conditioning coach himself, Siddharth, the rower, has transformed into a better version. He trains athletes from various disciplines, including multiple time Asian Games medallist in squash, Harinder Pal Sandhu. 'It is a game changer for me (Siddharth). I wish I had this when I was younger and training seriously. I feel it would have made all the difference. I am able to optimise my own training programme now, and I am still learning.' Siddharth's focus for now is to get better in Indoors and will look to have a go at the outdoors next season provided everything falls into place. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Rop stands tall, Bahrain's championship spark
Bahrain's Albert Rop produced a determined performance to claim bronze in the men's 10,000m at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea. His season's best time of 28:46.82 earned Bahrain their opening podium finish, trailing India's Gulveer Singh and Japan's Mebuki Suzuki in a gripping race. Tactical Brilliance on Display The men's 10,000m, staged at Gumi Civic Stadium, was a masterclass in long-distance strategy. Rop dictated the pace for much of the race, controlling a competitive field drawn from 43 nations. As the bell lap approached, Singh produced a powerful surge to take gold in 28:38.63, with Suzuki securing silver in 28:43.84. Rop, maintaining his composure, fought off challengers to clinch bronze, a testament to his experience and staying power. Rop's Stellar Track Record At 32, Albert Rop remains one of Asia's premier long-distance runners. His career is studded with achievements, including an Asian record in the 5000m (12:51.96), set at Monaco in 2013, which still stands as Bahrain's national record. He claimed silver in the 5000m at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and repeated the feat at the 2019 Asian Championships in Doha. His 3000m silver at the 2016 Asian Indoor Championships further shows his versatility. Rop also competed on the global stage, finishing eighth in the 5000m at the 2016 Rio Olympics, proving his ability to hold his own against the world's elite. A Veteran's Journey Born on 17 July 1992, Rop has built a reputation for consistency and tactical acumen over a decade-long career. His transition to Bahrain's athletics programme in 2013 marked a turning point, with his 5000m gold at that year's Arab Championships in Doha signalling his arrival. Since then, he's been a cornerstone of Bahrain's distance running squad, blending relentless work rate with a knack for delivering under pressure. This bronze in Gumi, his first 10,000m medal at the Asian Championships, adds another layer to his already distinguished resume. Gumi's Athletic Spotlight The 2025 Championships, running until 31 May, have transformed Gumi into a hub for Asia's top track and field talent, with over 2,000 athletes competing. The event, Gumi's first since 2005, features stars like Pakistan's javelin ace Arshad Nadeem and Singapore's sprint sensation Shanti Pereira. Setting Pace for Bahrain Rop's bronze offers Bahrain momentum as they chase further honours in Gumi. With the 2026 Asian Games on the horizon, his performance signals he's still a force to be reckoned with. For now, this podium finish is a moment to savour, highlighting Rop's enduring quality and Bahrain's ambitions in the sport. As the championships progress, all eyes will be on whether Rop and his teammates can add to their tally.
