Indian Navy kayaker Vishnu Raghunathan, a gold medalist who brought glory to India in water sports, has passed away in a tragic incident. (Image Credit: Free Press Journal)
Chief Petty Officer Vishnu Raghunathan was one of the most promising kayakers in India and a decorated Indian Navy athlete. At just 27, he had carved out a name for himself through his consistent performances at both national and international levels.
Hailing from Kerala, Vishnu represented the Navy and the country in several competitions. He brought laurels for the nation, showcasing his discipline, endurance, and dedication to the sport. His major breakthrough was in the recent 2024 Asia Cup in Hong Kong when he won gold in the 1,000m K-2 category, lifting the pride of the Indian kayaking fraternity.
Raghunathan also won a bronze medal in an open international championship in 2019, thus starting his rise in Asian kayaking.
Although there isn't any official data about Vishnu Raghunathan's net worth, it is estimated that his primary sources of income were his service in the Indian Navy and different sports incentives received for international performances.
As a serving Chief Petty Officer and a national athlete, he was entitled to a stable government salary, performance bonuses, and recognition from the Services Sports Control Board.
However, like most Indian athletes outside mainstream cricket, he was more known for his passion than for financial gain. His achievements thus reflected a dedication to national representation rather than to personal wealth.
Public records and media reports about Vishnu Raghunathan do not indicate his marital status; therefore, according to the information available, it is assumed that he was unmarried at his death.
Most of Raghunathan's life was made of service, training, and representing India in kayaking competitions. Colleagues and close friends have recalled him as a professional athlete who dedicated most of his time to the sport and naval duties.
His moment of glory was when, at the 2024 Asia Cup in Hong Kong, he took the gold medal in the 1,000m K-2 event in kayaking. This puts him among the best on the continent in a sport still very new for India.
Raghunathan’s victory was hailed as a pathbreaker for Indian kayaking, with several young paddlers from Kerala and other coastal states taking up the sport inspired by this feat. Vishnu’s achievement was testament to his work ethic and the Indian Navy’s role in nurturing athletic talent.
In a tragic turn of events, Vishnu Raghunathan and his teammate Petty Officer Ananth Krishnan, 18, died in a road accident in Bhopal where they were attending a training camp.
Their motorcycle was hit by a speeding unidentified vehicle near Raksha Bihar Colony around 3 a.m. while they were on their way to the Boat Club for practice. Both wore helmets but sustained fatal injuries.
Vishnu died shortly after his admission to the hospital, while Ananth succumbed to his injuries during treatment. A case has been registered, and CCTVs are being examined to trace the vehicle responsible.
