A medal is not even a distinct possibility but Indian rowers would look to improve their personal bests with creditable performances when they begin their Olympic campaign here tomorrow.
The three member team comprises Swaran Singh (Single Scull), Manjit Singh and Sandeep Kumar (Double Scull).
Coach Ismail Baig has already stated that it will be a big achievement if the three-member team finishes among the top-15 in the Single Scull event.
In single scull, 33 rowers are taking part, while in the Double Sculls, the field comprises 22 rowers.
"In single scull, a top six finish in the heats will enable Swaran to qualify for the quarterfinals, if he manages to clock around 7 minutes. Double scull teams will have a much tougher task and if they manage around 6m.30sec, they may be able to qualify for the quarter-finals," the coach said.
Baig has been with the rowing team for 11 years in various capacities and is at the helm in his third straight Olympics.
Under him in the last Asian games, Indian rowers gave one of their best performances winning nine medals.
Rowing competitions are scheduled to be held till August 4 at Dorney Lake which, for the purposes of the Games venue, is officially termed Eton Dorney. 550 athletes including 353 men and 197 women will compete in 14 medal events.
Events include the use of two types of boat (heavyweight and lightweight), and two styles of rowing: sweep, where competitors each use a single oar, and sculling, where they use two.
