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May 12, 2024
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I've been involved with rowing for over 30 years with an 'irrational passion' for the sport and its community. My journey started back in India at the Madras Boat Club and upon moving to the U.S. in the early 2000s, continued rowing and volunteering for the Long Beach Rowing Association. I became a licensed USRowing official in 2009 and have been working in regional, national rowing competitions, including USRowing National Championships regattas and U.S. National Team selection regattas, ensuring safety and fairness of rowing races. I am also a recipient of the 2018 Joan Zandbergen "Mama Z" Award for Sustained Superior Performance This award is presented to one USRowing official who, over a period of three to ten years, has stood apart from the rest of his or her peers.
I am currently working for First American as a Project Manager. Besides work and officiating in rowing, I also volunteer at my son's soccer league as a soccer coach and referee. I love spending my spare time with my family and also volunteering whenever time permits.
Who is an inspirational person in the sport or your life, and why?
The late Angela Madsen was one of the first people I met when I joined the Long Beach Rowing Association in 2001. She made a lasting impression on me, to never get bogged down by fear of failure, to keep pushing through no matter how impossible things may seem. Her dedication and commitment to advocating disability rights touched hundreds of people and also inspired me to pursue my goals relentlessly and to always strive to improve, no matter the obstacles.
What do you envision for the sport of rowing 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I envision rowing becoming a more globally recognized, easily accessible and inclusive sport. I hope to see technological advancements in the sport, grassroots efforts by those involved in rowing to make it more accessible to people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I imagine a greater emphasis on community funded programs and support networks that encourage participation from underrepresented groups, creating a more diverse and enriched rowing community.
What is something you wish people in your boathouse understood about you/about being AANHPI in rowing?
I wish people understood the importance of cultural diversity and how it enriches our sport. Being an AANHPI in rowing, I sometimes see stereotypes and cultural misunderstandings across clubs and organizations when it comes to working with the AANHPI community. It's crucial for teammates, coaches, members of any rowing organization to recognize the diverse backgrounds of all athletes and to foster an environment where everyone feels respected and valued for their unique contributions.
What advice would you give to a person who may be joining this sport for the first time?
My advice would be to embrace every moment of the journey. Rowing is as much about mental strength as it is about physical capabilities. Be patient with yourself as you learn and grow within the sport. Listen to your coaches, connect with your teammates, and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. Rowing is a challenging sport, but the community you build and the lessons you learn are incredibly rewarding. I owe the ability to celebrate my success and learn from failures, to rowing.
This year's theme for AANHPI Heritage Month is advancing leaders through innovation. How can the rowing world be more innovative about inclusion?
To advance leaders through innovation, the rowing community can start by actively seeking to understand and implement diverse cultural perspectives into leadership roles and coaching methodologies. We could develop outreach programs specifically targeted at AANHPI and other underrepresented communities. Incorporating technology to track progress, provide feedback, and personalize training can also make the sport more accessible. Lastly, fostering open dialogues on inclusion and diversity can lead to more innovative solutions that benefit everyone in the sport. I believe most of these suggestions are already in practice. The key is to sustain the momentum and continue this process.
