Date:07/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/07/stories/2008090760211800.htm

Sport - Sailing

Pushparajan and Sandip duo triumphs

Special Correspondent

— Photo: K. Pichumani

PROUD MOMENT: (From left) Sandip Jain, Pushparajan Muthu, Rohini Rau and Pallavi Shanbhag, winners at the RMYC-Vestas National 420 sailing championship on Saturday.

Chennai: Predictably, Pushparajan Muthu and Sandip Jain (AYN) emerged triumphant in the RMYC-Vestas National 420 sailing championship.

The winning combination clinched nine of the 10 races, including the final one here on Saturday.

Rohini Rau and Pallavi Shanbag (RMYC) not only won all their races in the women’s category but finished a creditable third overall in the final race. For this young duo, it was a perfect 10.

Arjuna awardee and Asian Games silver medallist, R. Mahesh, was pleased with the performances of the budding sailors.

“The best thing about the championship was the participation of so many youngsters. They showed a lot of promise and courage. I am sure, in the years to come, they can graduate to the 470, which is an Olympic class,” he said.

He also dwelt on the conditions for the championship. “Here, it is as good as it gets,” Mahesh said. The wind speed was between 12 and 15 knots and the swells were between 1.5 and 2m. Sandip was confident on building on the victory in the Nationals here.

“The competition was good, and after the initial phase, we saw several young sailors getting used to the conditions and pushing the more experienced one. This is a good sign,” he said.

Rohini too exuded optimism. “The youngsters have done well,” she said.

RMYC’s Abhimanyu & Karn, both 13-years-old, took part in the championship. Mahesh expects more of their ilk to take part in the future.

The results:

Final overall standings: Men: 1. Pushparajan Muthu & Sandip Jain (AYN), 2. Narandra Singh & Ashok Kumar Luhach (AYN), 3. Mithu Nahak & Azar Shaik (AWSA).

Women: 1. Rohini Rau & Pallavi Shanbhag (RMYC), 2. Aysha Lobo & Taramathi Matiwade (RBYC).

10th race: 1. Pushrajan & Sandip (AYN), 2. Narandra & Ashok (AYN), 3. Rohini & Pallavi (RMYC).

Women: 1. Rohini & Pallavi (RMYC), 2. Aysha & Taramathi (RBYC).