Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Paralysed Kolkata Teen Wins Two Para Rowing Medals
Aarav Agarwal became seriously ill when he was six years old.
His illness caused his whole body to stop moving, and he needed a ventilator for 45 days.
Doctors and physiotherapists helped him slowly regain strength.
He returned to school even though one doctor thought he might never go back.
Aarav tried different sports before discovering rowing.
He now trains very early in the morning and works hard every day.
At a national para rowing competition, he won one gold medal and one bronze medal.
He dreams of competing in the Paralympics.
He and his family also hope Bengal will provide a longer lake for rowing practice.
Aarav Agarwal developed full-body paralysis from Guillain–Barré syndrome at age six and spent 45 days on a ventilator.
After extensive physiotherapy, Aarav returned to school and maintained marks of about 90 per cent.
He began rowing two years ago after badminton and golf proved unsuitable because of his ankle difficulties.
At India’s first Para National Rowing Championship in Pune, he won gold in the 2km under-23 open event and bronze in the indoor PR3 race.
Aarav hopes to compete in the Paralympics and wants longer training facilities for Bengal’s para rowers.
- Who
- Aarav Agarwal, a 15-year-old student and para rower from Kolkata.
- What
- He won gold and bronze medals at India’s first Para National Rowing Championship.
- When
- He contracted Guillain–Barré syndrome at age six and began rowing two years ago; the championship was his most recent achievement.
- Where
- The championship was held in Pune, while Aarav trains at Bengal Rowing Club in Kolkata.
- Why
- He pursued rowing after other sports required ankle movement he could not manage, and he aims to compete in the Paralympics.
- Age
- Aarav is 15 years old.
- Early illness
- He developed full-body paralysis from Guillain–Barré syndrome at age six.
- Ventilator stay
- He spent 45 days on a ventilator.
- National championship
- India’s first Para National Rowing Championship was held in Pune.
- Medals
- Aarav won gold in the 2km under-23 open event and bronze in the indoor PR3 race.
- Training
- He practices at Bengal Rowing Club on weekday mornings and uses an ergometer at home.
- Ambition
- His ultimate goal is to compete in the Paralympics.