Hyderabad: There was something to cheer for the sailors as the wind goods finally obliged and the third day proved ideal for the competitors in the Telangana Junior State Sailing Championships at Hussain Sagar on Sunday.
Dark horse Nitin Naik Kethavath of Nagarkurnool emerged as champion as he shocked all the top seeds to win the boys’ gold medal. Lakshmi Chandram stole the show with some excellent sailing to finish second overall and but good enough to clinch the girls title.
Preethi Kongari who was ahead by a significant margin at the qualifiers stage had a terrible day and was pushed down to overall fifth and a bronze amongst girls.
‘I am happy that the weather finally turned up and we were able to deliver a full series at least in the Junior category and we will re-sail the sub juniors after the exam schedule is over”, said Suheim Sheikh the President of the Yacht Club of Hyderabad.
The novice fleet was again shockingly dominated by the boys with Bhanuprakash again of MJPT leading followed by Kevin Raj. Brothers Saathwik and Shravan Dhoki from Hyderabad closely followed in that order
The novice girls were led by Deekshita, Rithika and Bushra all of Udbhav School Rasoolpura that has produced 10 top sailors that have represented India
The prize giving was hosted at the Yacht Club of Hyderabad and presided over by Lt.Gen KS Rao the President of the Telangana Sailing Association and a circumnavigator himself.
The three day Telangana State Junior Regatta concluded on Sunday. This is the first major sporting event across India to have witnessed 56 participants competing.