Hyderabadi sailor Alekhya wins Gold at the just concluded the First YAI (Yachting Association of India) North East Regatta 2023.
The 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.
The First YAI NORTH EAST REGATTA - 2023 was conducted by the Umiam Sailing Club, Shillong in association with 420 class association of India under the aegis of Yachting Association of India and it concluded yesterday evening.
The event drew over 80 participants from over 10 states across India, that includes 12 clubs during this 5-day Sailing extravaganza. Teams from Indian Army and Naval Services and Private Clubs participated
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. It was contested by the top sailors in the country. The Gold Medal carried a cash prize of Rupees One Lakh and an opportunity to be sponsored for the “ASAF Enoshima Olympic Week” in Japan.
With four teams tied in first place at the end of the second day and two teams tied for first place on the third day the final race day saw the contenders at peak performance where Alekhya and Akhil claimed the Gold in a nail biting keenly contested final day. 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.
Meghalaya, the “Abode of the Clouds” with its picturesque landscape of rolling hills, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, diverse flora and fauna and unique culture and tradition was an idyllic location for conducting a National Regatta.
The director of the event Colonel Alok Yadav spared no effort to make the event a grand success. He was supported by the Goverment of Meghalaya to promote water sports in the state, enhance tourism, put the location on the world sailing map, produce medallists, and empower youth. Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma attended the event and interacted with the Sailors motivating and encouraging them to excel in Sports.
Apart from boat races,the participants also enjoyed music and cultural programmes, nature excursions, food and flea markets, an electrifying concert which featured K-Pop artiste Kim Woojin, Delhi-based band Twin Strings and several other talents from the Northeast.
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