In a momentous achievement for Indian sailing, Zahaan Hemrajani from Mumbai has secured a top 10 overall finish at the prestigious U17 O'pen Skiff World Championships. The event took place in Nishinomiya, Japan, from July 17 to 23, 2025. This accomplishment marks one of the highest-ever finishes by an Indian sailor at this global youth event.
The championship was organized by the International O'pen Skiff Association, a recognized youth class under World Sailing, the global governing body for the sport. Zahaan's campaign at the event was truly remarkable. He faced an initial setback,competing in the first three races with faulty equipment. However, he demonstrated resilience and skill to make a comeback.
Zahaan went on to win two races and finished in the top 10 in nearly half of his heats. According to a press release from his media team, this is a feat never before achieved by an Indian in this class. Zahaan expressed immense gratitude after the event. He thanked his coach, Umesh Naiksatam, and the entire 24Seven Sailing Team for their support. He also acknowledged his mentor, Amish Ved, for his constant belief and guidance. Zahaan extended his thanks to his parents, Nilima and Ashish Hemrajani (founder of BookMyShow), for their support. He also recognized Captain Abhimanyu Patankar of the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC) and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club (RBYC) for their vital roles in his development as a sailor.
Zahaan also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra, whose timely intervention allowed access to Pawna Lake during the monsoon. This access was crucial for uninterrupted training during the off-season. Zahaan's world-class performance shines a spotlight on India's emerging sailing talent and sets a powerful precedent for the nation's future in international junior sailing. His top 10 finish is not only a personal victory but also a significant milestone for Indian sailing as a whole. It exemplifies the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage and highlights the importance of support systems, including coaches, mentors, family, and government bodies, in nurturing young talent.
