In a remarkable achievement for Indian sailing, Zahaan Hemrajani from Mumbai has secured a top 10 overall finish at the prestigious U17 O’pen Skiff World Championships, held in Nishinomiya, Japan, from July 17 to 23. This outstanding result 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 performance shines a spotlight on India's emerging sailing talent and sets a powerful precedent for the nation's future in international junior sailing.
Zahaan's journey was nothing short of extraordinary. After facing initial setbacks due to faulty equipment, he demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill to stage a comeback. Despite these challenges, Zahaan won two races and finished in the top 10 in nearly half of his heats, 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 and his mentor, Amish Ved, for his constant belief and guidance. He also acknowledged his parents, Nilima and Ashish Hemrajani (founder of BookMyShow), for their unwavering support.
Furthermore, Zahaan extended his thanks to 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. He also expressed his appreciation to the Government of Maharashtra, whose timely intervention allowed access to Pawna Lake during the monsoon, which was crucial for uninterrupted training during the off-season.
Zahaan's stellar performance not only highlights his personal achievements but also underscores the growing potential of Indian sailors on the world stage. His success serves as an inspiration for other young athletes in India and demonstrates the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving sporting excellence.
