As the refreshing monsoon winds bring a delightful change to Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar, the 14th edition of the YAI Monsoon Regatta is set to revolutionize sailing with the introduction of a new Mixed International 420 boat event. Scheduled to take place from July 16 to 23, 2023, this event marks the first-ever mixed competition in Hyderabad, attracting five entries from Telangana and numerous participants from across the country.
Gender equality has been a key focus for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and it serves as the driving force behind the Yacht Club of Hyderabad’s (YCH) all-girls initiative called Project Naavika, which promotes the motto “Dignity Through Sports.”
One shining example of the success of Project Naavika is Preethi Kongara, a talented student from Marredpally Govt. College in Hyderabad. Preethi, who received training at YCH, is now preparing to participate in the Olympic Test Event in Marseille. Subsequently, she will compete in the Worlds in Nederlands and the Asian Games in Ningbo China, both scheduled for September 2023.
The International 420 Class of boats has seen intensive training from four dedicated girls from Hyderabad. Dharani Laveti, Ravali Parandi, Thanuja Kameshwar, and Vaishnavi Veeravamsham, all former Under 15 National Champions, represent the top entrants from YCH.
In the Under 15 category, Hyderabad proudly presents Deekshita Komaravelly, ranked as India’s No. 1, along with her sister Lahiri Komaravelly, who holds the fourth position. These talented sailors reside in Rasoolpura and study at Udbhav School.
Among the boys, Daniel Israel and Bunny Bongur are expected to achieve remarkable feats and potentially secure invitations to the Asian Championships in Abudhabi, provided they rank at the top in their respective events.
Telangana is eagerly anticipating victory in the Monsoon Regatta, aiming to bring home the prestigious Monsoon Regatta Trophy and the Shri.SH Babu Memorial at this National Ranking event.
The 14th edition of the regatta boasts an esteemed International Jury comprising experts from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel. Additionally, the event reintroduces Team Racing in the Optimist class, adding an exciting element to the competition.
Suheim Sheikh, representing the Yacht Club, expressed his pride in organizing 13 successful Monsoon Regattas consecutively, emphasizing the significance of the 14th edition, which showcases Telangana’s top sailors vying for national recognition. He wished all the participants the best of luck and extended special regards to Preethi Kongara, who is making waves on the international circuit.
The participating teams are rigorously practicing, poised to add to their remarkable collection of medals in the upcoming National Ranking regattas at Hussain Sagar. The regattas will feature multiple classes of boats, including the Olympic Laser, Under 15 Optimist, and the groundbreaking Mixed International 420 Class. These regattas, organized by various clubs across the lake, fall under the banner of the National Federation, the Yachting Association of India.
The Yacht Club of Hyderabad has not only secured 160 medals but has also produced ten National Champions from underprivileged communities. Many of these talented individuals have pursued careers in the Army and Navy after honing their skills at the esteemed Yacht Club, highlighting the club’s remarkable impact beyond the world of sailing.
