At 18, Salman Khan lost his father, drove a taxi for several months before becoming an army man and now an Asian Games medalist in rowing.

Indian rowers Satnam Singh and Salman Khan pose with the bronze medal (PTI Photo) For rower Salman Khan, winning a medal at the Asian Games is the latest chapter in a journey that began with family responsibilities, financial problems and a job as a taxi driver.The Indian rower won the bronze medal in the men’s double sculls alongside teammate Satnam Singh at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday. The Indian pair remained in second place until the 1500m, before slipping to third in the final 500m. They finished the race in 6:13.25 on the Nagaragawa International Regatta Course.China’s Yi Xudi and Yide Nie won gold in 6:09.37, while Uzbekistan’s Pavel Sorin and Mekhrojbek Mamatkulov took silver in 6:10.49.For Salman, the medal came after years of hard work and a life that could have taken a completely different path.

Salman lost his father at the age of 18

Salman was born in Pure Dhingai in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh. His father, Mohammed Kasim Khan, worked in a body shop in Taur, Haryana, where Salman completed his schooling.He was the eldest of four brothers and two sisters. Salman was only 18 when his father died of dengue fever.Since his younger siblings are still studying, the responsibility of supporting the family fell on him. His dream of joining the army had to take a back seat as earning a living became his priority.Salman started driving an Uber cab in Delhi. He worked day and night to keep the family going.

A friend’s advice changed his life

Salman has not completely given up on his army dream. One day, while he was resting after his shift, a close friend reminded him that his height and physical build could help him in the military. This advice made him try again.He handed over the cab to another driver and prepared for four months by running and training hard. He agreed to a recruitment meeting, medical and written examinations.Joined Bombay Engineer Group (BEG), Kirkee, Pune in September 2018.

How Salman became a rower

At the training center, the coaches noticed Salman’s height and build and introduced him to rowing. He knew nothing about this sport and was initially not interested in playing it. Due to his family’s financial situation, sports were not something he thought he could pursue.He refused several times. But the trainers kept pushing him and finally put him in the boat. They saw potential in him and started training him seriously.Salman’s first inter-centre regatta gave him the first indication that he could make something out of rowing. He won a silver medal which gave him confidence.

A turning point

The next big step came in 2021 when Salman cleared the ergometer benchmarks and was selected for the Army Rowing Node at CME Pune. Training alongside some of India’s best rowers changed his perspective.What started out as a sport he didn’t even want to play became something he wanted to do professionally.Salman began to believe that rowing could help him win medals for India.

From national gold to international success

Salman’s progress continued over the next few years. He won gold at the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022. At the 2023 Senior Nationals, he won gold in the skiff against Olympian Datta Bhokanal. This performance helped him get a place in the Indian camp.In 2024, Salman won his first international gold at the Asian Rowing Cup in South Korea with Nitin Deol. This victory also earned him the promotion of Naib Subedar in the Indian Army.He followed this up with silver at the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships and another silver at the 2025 Asian Rowing Championships.These performances helped him secure a place in India’s Asian Games squad.

From driving a taxi to donning an Indian jersey

For Salman, representing India holds a special significance as his journey has begun. He came from a village background and had to take responsibility for his family at a very young age.His mother, Jabrun Nisha, remained his main source of strength while his wife Sahiba Khatoon supported him throughout his journey.His coaches and support staff also played a major role in keeping him on the rowing path, especially during periods when he lost interest in the sport.At the Army Rowing Unit, officers and coaches helped him regain focus and develop as an athlete.Salman’s journey from Amethi to the Indian Army and from an unknown boat to an Asian Games medal was built on years of perseverance, discipline and support from his family, coaches and teammates.