Arjun Pradipak guides young sailors, dreams of sailing academy
Arjun Pradipak, son of legendary sailor C S Pradipak, mentors young sailing talent including Shringhari Roy, and is working toward establishing a full-fledged sailing academy in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Arjun Pradipak, son of sailing legend C S Pradipak, is keen to carry forward the legacy of bringing laurels on the water.
Shringhari Roy is making waves with her consistent performances, winning back-to-back gold and silver medals in the Nationals. More importantly, she will represent India in the International Optimist Asian Regatta later this year in Oman.
The man happiest about this progress is Arjun Pradipak, Commodore and coach of the Secunderabad Sailing Club, who has been mentoring Shringhari. She began her sailing career in 2023 at the age of 14 and has already won gold at the YAI Youth and Junior Multi-Class (national ranking event) and silver at the YAI 5th Secunderabad Club Tiscon Youth Open Regatta (national ranking event).
“Yes, with a decade of coaching experience and certification from the Yachting Association of India, as well as International Optimist certification, I feel that I can give back to the sport in a big way in the future too,” said Arjun in a chat with Telangana Today.
Fresh from Telangana sailors’ impressive performances in the just-concluded Youth Open Regatta at Hussain Sagar Lake, Arjun—son of the late Arjuna Awardee C S Pradipak—is already back at work at the Secunderabad Sailing Club, mentoring young talent and guiding them the right way.
“Honestly, I am chasing a dream which my dad (the illustrious C S Pradipak) had—producing champions from the city by setting up a full-fledged sailing academy here,” said Arjun.
“This initiative seeks to foster a vibrant sailing culture and inspire generations to take to the waters and pursue their dreams in the sport,” he added.
“The academy requires approximately two acres of land on the waterfront. We would like this land to be allocated on Osmansagar or Himayatsagar lakes, as the water there is much cleaner, creating a safer environment for sailors,” Arjun said.
“Sailing is a non-polluting sport, as we use only the wind to propel the boat forward. We already have electric coach boats that are zero-emission. I have tied up with a sports school that offers students the flexibility to focus on the sport, with the added benefit of tailor-made school curriculum, specialised nutrition, fitness and mental coaching plans,” he explained.
As the organising authority of the Secunderabad Club Youth Regatta, Arjun emphasised the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
“We have conducted regattas almost continuously for the last 100 years, catering to various levels from club competitions to national and international events,” he said, highlighting the club’s longstanding dedication to promoting sailing among the youth.
