365Telugu.com onine news,Telangana,December 26th,2024: The 8th Telangana State Sailing Championships kicked off today with an impressive 131 entries spanning 15 districts, making it one of the most significant state-level sailing events in the country. The competition will be held across six categories of sailing and is organized by the Telangana Sailing Association, hosted by the Yacht Club of Hyderabad.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the Hussain Sagar Lake has come alive with vibrant sails as participants practice for the coveted championship titles. Telangana has emerged as a leader in Indian sailing, both in terms of boats and sailors.
Remarkably, the state has produced over 60 National Champions and won around 275 medals in the past decade, a testament to the dedication and vision of Suheim Sheikh, the newly elected President of the Telangana Sailing Association.
Telangana stands as a pioneer, being the only state in India to organize state-level sailing championships. The state’s model has set a benchmark for the rest of the country to emulate.
Speaking on the occasion, Suheim Sheikh remarked, “This year, we have introduced the 29er Skiff Class and the 420 Double Handers, and we are thrilled to see a record number of entries across categories. Our efforts are directed at identifying and grooming talent from Telangana, with a strong focus on the 2026 Asian Games in China and the Los Angeles Olympics.”
This year’s event also includes six sailors from Haryana, marking the championships as an open competition.
Hyderabad’s Govardhan Pallara and Rizwan Mohammad lead the boys’ category, while sisters Deekshitha and Lahiri Komaravelly from Rasoolpura are strong contenders in the sub-junior category. This will be the final year for Govardhan and Deekshitha in the Optimist Class, as they prepare to transition to junior categories and larger boats for the Asian Games trials.
Notably, 4 of India’s top 7 national rankers hail from Hyderabad, with Govardhan and Deekshitha ranked No. 1 and No. 2 nationally in their respective sub-junior categories.
In the junior category, Manya Reddy leads the girls, while Shravan Kathrawath is the top seed among boys, both vying to maintain their top positions.
Outstanding performers at the championships will secure spots on the Telangana team, which will represent the state at international competitions in Malaysia and Singapore in 2025.
The championships will conclude on December 29 at 4 PM, with an awards ceremony presided over by Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary for IT, Industry, and Sports, Government of Telangana. Joining him will be Dr. Shantha Sinha, Ramon Magsaysay Award winner and former Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
The 8th Telangana State Sailing Championships promises to be a celebration of talent, perseverance, and the spirit of competition, as Telangana continues to solidify its position as a powerhouse in Indian sailing.