India’s vast coastline and rich maritime history make it a natural home for sailing, a sport that is now on the rise. Indian sailors have been making their mark internationally, with the 2024 Asian Sailing Championships being a notable achievement. Nethra Kumanan, who became the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympics in sailing, secured a silver medal in the Laser Radial category at the event.

The Yachting Association of India (YAI) has been crucial in promoting sailing as both a competitive and recreational sport. Clubs in Mumbai, Chennai, and Goa have been offering sailing lessons to young enthusiasts, and these coastal cities have hosted several national and international regattas. The Indian Navy has also played a pivotal role, producing some of the country’s top sailors.

Sailing’s popularity is steadily growing among India’s youth, especially with schools introducing sailing as part of their sports curriculum. Despite challenges such as the cost of equipment and limited infrastructure, increased sponsorship and media coverage are making sailing more accessible to a wider audience. India’s sailors are now eyeing success in upcoming international events, including the Olympics.