India’s long-standing maritime history is now finding expression in competitive sailing, with Indian sailors making a mark on the global stage. The 2024 Asian Sailing Championships in Jakarta were a high point for India, with sailors like Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan securing medals in their respective events. Nethra’s silver in the Laser Radial category and Vishnu’s bronze in the Laser Standard marked a significant achievement for the country.
The Yachting Association of India (YAI) has played a pivotal role in fostering the sport by setting up sailing academies in coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Goa. These academies are training grounds for aspiring sailors, and they regularly host national regattas and sailing camps.
India’s participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Nethra Kumanan became the first Indian woman to qualify for sailing, has inspired a new generation of sailors. With strong winds and favorable sailing conditions along India’s coastline, the sport is gaining popularity among younger athletes.
However, challenges persist. Sailing equipment is expensive, and access to quality coaching is limited to a few coastal cities. The YAI is working to address these issues by seeking corporate sponsorship and government grants. With more focus on infrastructure development and training programs, India is poised to become a major player in the global sailing scene in the coming years.