Bhubaneswar: Sekhar Rao continued his sterling show to win 11 gold medals by winning 11 out of 12 races in the All India Boat Sailing Association Championships in Goa, Friday.
In the last Navy Open Sailing Championship organised few days back here, Orissa sailors had also put up a very good show. Sekhar was adjudged ‘Star of the Meet’ after he finished with 12 gold medals. Manaswini Moharana was honoured with the ‘Silver Star’ award after he finished with seven gold medals.
Orissa Yachting Association (OYA) secretary and coach Sabir Bux expressed satisfaction over their performances.“I am definitely happy for their show. Manaswini had broken her hand few months back. So there was a dip in her performance. Otherwise it’s a fantastic show,” Sabir stated.
However he expressed his displeasure over lack of support in the state. “Yachting is a pretty expensive sport. So far we are spending huge amounts from our own pockets. But how long we can continue with this,” he questioned.
“There is no support from the state government. Despite several requests, Orissa Olympic Association (OOA) is not even giving us recognition. Our application is pending before them since 2013, but they are showing deaf ears to our requests. Unless and until OOA gives us recognition, it is very difficult to get assistance from the state governmemt,” he rued.
After the completion of the competition in Goa, Sekhar will stay back to participate in the second level course of the Indian Sailing Instructor conducted by Indian Navy.
“Last year Sekhar had completed the first level course and this year Indian Navy has allowed him to participate in the highr course without any cost. I thank Indian Navy for their constant support to our talented sailors,” he concluded.
PNN
