365telugu.com online news,CHENNAI, January 13, 2026:In a remarkable display of grit and skill, 14-year-old Ravi Kumar Bonnelu from Hyderabad secured a bronze medal at the recently concluded International Sailing Regatta in Chennai. Competing against 48 seasoned sailors from seven nations—including Sweden, Ireland, and Malaysia—Ravi’s achievement is being hailed as a “triumph of spirit over odds.”
Defying the Elements
Despite weighing only 34 kg, Ravi successfully navigated 15-20 knot winds and 2-meter monsoon waves. Primarily a lake sailor, he maintained exceptional consistency throughout the event, never dropping below 5th place across all races. In a thrilling final race, Ravi managed to outperform his closest rival by six positions to leapfrog into the bronze medal spot.
“I had to beat one sailor by two positions in the final race to secure a medal, and I ended up beating him by six,” a proud Ravi Kumar shared. He expressed deep gratitude to his coach, Suheim Sheikh, for trusting his ability to handle heavy winds despite his weight disadvantage.
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A Journey of Resilience
Ravi’s background adds another layer to his success. The son of a construction worker and a domestic help, Ravi recently transitioned from a government school to Udbhav School. Originally from Narayanpet, Mahboobnagar, his family now resides in Secunderabad.
His father, Beemesh Bonnelu, noted with pride that Ravi has already represented India in six countries, including Oman, Malaysia, and the Czech Republic. “Nobody in our entire village has represented India. We want him to study and become a high-ranking officer,” he added.
Hyderabad’s Unprecedented Medal Haul
Ravi was not the only star from Hyderabad to shine in Chennai. The city’s sailing community recorded an unprecedented quadruple medal tally:
Gold (U-18 Boys): Manideep Peerkatla, an alumnus of the Yacht Club of Hyderabad (YCH) now sailing for the Army, dominated the field to take the top spot.
Silver (Skiff Class): Govardhan Pallara of YCH secured the silver.
Silver (Girls): Shringari Roy of the Secunderabad Club sailed brilliantly to clinch second place, narrowly missing the gold after a protest regarding the points system.
ఇదీ చదవండి..అమెజాన్ ఫార్మసీలో అందుబాటులోకి బరువు తగ్గే ‘వెగోవీ’ టాబ్లెట్స్..
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Looking Ahead
The Hyderabad contingent is now setting its sights on the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, scheduled for April. Coach Suheim Sheikh remarked that the three medals won by YCH alumni at a single international event is “unprecedented” and marks a new era for sailing in the region.
Final points tally for the under 15 Single Hander
Boys
Krishna Venkatichalam IND 16
Khairullilzani Afendy MAS 24
Ravi Kumar IND 32
Girls
Phillips Cox IRL 14
Shringari Roy IND 16
Lily Sheridan IRL 26
Final points for the under 18 Boys
Manideep Peerkatla IND 20
Ankit Singh Sisodia IND 24
Rajveer Yadav IND 27
Final points for the under 18 Girls
Aashta Pandey IND 13
Tulsi Patle IND 14
Mahi Verma IND 24
Final Points for the Junior Skiff
Aakash Tangai IND 8
Govardhan Pallara IND 18