'Life is better on water': Hyderabad duo wins gold at YAI Regatta

Hyderabad: Hyderabadi sailors won gold at the first Yachting Association of India (YAI) North East Regatta 2023.

Alekhya Coondoo (Helm) a student of HPS Ramanthapur, and her partner Pilli Akhil (Crew) both from Telangana, representing the Secunderabad Sailing Club, stood first in the 420 Class (mixed) category in both the Youth (under 19) and Open. The competition saw the top sailors in the country.

The duo won a gold medal and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. They also got sponsorship for the `ASAF Enoshima Olympic Week’ in Japan.

Organized by Umiam Sailing Club, Shillong in association with 420 Class Association of India under the aegis of Yachting Association of India, the event drew over 80 participants from over 10 states across India. , Nearly 12 clubs participated in the 5-day sailing extravaganza. Teams from Indian Army and Naval Services and Private Clubs also participated.

With four teams tied in first place at the end of the second day and two teams tied in first place on the third day, the final race day saw the contenders at peak performance.

Alekhya and Akhil claimed the gold in a nail-biting contest. Alekhya's coach and mentor Arjun Pradipak commodore of the Secunderabad Sailing Club was overjoyed with their performance.

They received their medals from the skipper of INSV Tarini Lt Commander Vartika Joshi who completed a historic, record-setting circumnavigation of the globe by sea.

Yachting Association of India (YAI) is the governing body for sailing at sea and on inland waters in India. It is a non-profit sporting body that promotes the sport.

Apart from boat races, the participants also enjoyed music and cultural programs, nature excursions, food and flea markets, and an electrifying concert that featured K-Pop artiste Kim Woojin, Delhi-based band Twin Strings, and several other talents from the Northeast.