HYDERABAD: With an aim of promoting sailing and producing an Olympic champion, the National Sailing School (NSS) was established in Bhopal in 2007 and in a short period of time, they have already made big impression by winning 27 national-level titles. The fledgling NSS is on the brink of more glory. However, the academy faced a setback of sorts, thanks to the unreliable monsoon, as the Upper lake in Bhopal dried up. From 34 km of water, the Upper lake has been shrunk to only 1 km radius denying any sort of practice for the young sailors. However, that did not deter the young sailors from Bhopal.
They came just three days in advance to practice on Hussainsagar for the Laser National Sailing Championship.
And 15-year-old Sachin Singha, who hails from Manipur, is all set to annex the under-18 Laser 4.7 event Championship title.
According to coach Milind Prabhu, it was unfortunate due to the erratic monsoon rains, the lake in Bhopal had dried up. “We decided to come to Hyderabad and give our young sailors here some practice. They have responded magnificently, ’’ said a delighted Prabhu.
Prabhu said their initial target was to make a mark in the national tournaments and they had successfully realised that goal. “It is very encouraging that these sailors have responded to the challenge. We will now work hard and groom these young trainees for international tournaments,’’ added Prabhu.
The NSS was the brainchild of Yashodhara Scindia. It was established to spot young talent from different parts of the country and recruit them to the academy through various tests, including strength and endurance.
“Many of them are from poor families.
Some come from tribal backgrounds as well. The training is done in a scientific manner. There is a dietician, sports medicine specialist and a team of coaches. The young trainees are imparted scientific training and the results have been encouraging so far,’’ said Prabhu, adding, the young trainees are also given good education in established schools.
“I think our efforts are going in the right direction. Of course, our aim is to produce good competitive sailors for Asian Games and then finally the Olympics,” added Prabhu.
P Madhu, another coach at the academy, is excited about the results. “If you look at Sachin’s performance, it is amazing. This is his third year in sailing and he has already shown great talent. He is only 15 and has three more years in his 4.7 category. He will get enough exposure before making the senior grade,” said Madhu.
Prabhu thinks Sachin has the killer instinct. “He is cool even in adverse conditions. He never gives up any event easily and fights till the last minute.
He has been a consistent performer,” said Prabhu.
As many as eight sailors — two girls (Sidra Sabir, Shila Charles) and six boys (Aparya Mahule, Sachin Singha, Shivam Shrivas, Ajay Singh Bhagel, Avineesh Yadav and Prince Noble) are participating in this Hyderabad Sailing Week.
