Governor flags off Sr. Multi-Class (Ranking) Sailing Championship

Hyderabad: Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, ESL Narasimhan has graced the opening ceremony and inaugurated the 'YAI Multi-Class (Ranking) Sailing Championship' at Sailing Annexe in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

The Governor in his address said, "The Government of Telangana has been giving many incentives for the sport of sailing. This vast expanse of Hussain Sagar Lake in the twin cities has proved to be a nursery for champion sailors, especially Ashwini, Kirthi, Ajay and Sanjay of Telangana Sports School who have achieved National acclaim. I am sure the joint efforts being put in by the Laser Class Association of India (LCAI) and Sports Authority of Telangana State and the host clubs will produce many more Champions".

The event is being jointly organised by the EME Sailing Association (EMESA) and Secunderabad Sailing Club under the aegis of Laser Class Association of India supported by Sports Authority of Telangana State.

Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh, Commodore, EME Sailing Association and Shri ShashidharBatchu, President, Secunderabad Club were among other dignitaries who attended the Ceremony.

Lt. General Paramjit Singh said: "The response this year had been tremendous. A total of 188 sailors with 169 entries from different associated clubs have been received, out of which 23 are in the women's category. A total of 21 participants are from Telangana".

He added that there would surely be a healthy competition in the highest traditions of sportsmanship and he was sanguine that there would be fair Sailing all through the sailing week.

The Multiclass National Ranking Sailing Championship at the Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad, is now in its 34th year and is accredited by the Yachting Association of India(YAI). Over the years, the event has become big attraction for locals and tourist alike.

Telangana State students Sanjay, Ajay, Saurabh, Ashwini and Kirti will be participating in Laser 407 category and many other young sailors will be taking part in various other classes in the week-long event, accredited by the Yachting Association of India (YAI), in which over 200 sailors from all over the country will vie for the top honours.

As the annual event enters its 34thyear, stiff competition among the participants are expected in races and a sizeable number of women sailors are in fray. Major General TSA Narayanan, Vice Commodore, EMESA, said: "This is a landmark year for the EME Sailing Association as the event has been accredited as the YAI National Ranking Event where in the performance of the sailors will be ranked, which will give them points for selection into National team."

EME Sailing Association was formed in the year 1964. The sailing association has produced a number of medal winners both at National and International level. In the year 1986 LCAI was founded with a view to promote sailing in the Country. Since then, the event has been conducted continuously for the last 33 years and is popularly known as "Hyderabad Sailing week".