National camp for Indian rowers was started on October 1 by the Sports Authority of India at Army Rowing Node in Pune, where 12 Olympic hopefuls in two categories were selected to have a podium finish at the upcoming Olympics. The first hurdle to cross for these rowers is the Olympic qualification mark, for which the rowers are pretty optimistic that they will achieve. The qualification event will be held in April next year. The training is being done under the aegis of coach Ismail Baig, who has turned out to be the most prolific coach for the Indian rowing since the time he came on board in the year 1999. Under him, India won as many as 156 international medals, including two Asian Games gold.