NEW DELHI: India’s finest sailors made waves on the international stage last year and earned well-deserved nominations for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024. Known for their skill, strategy, and resilience, these athletes will be honoured across the men’s and women’s sailing categories.
The Sailor of the Year award will be announced on February 22. The winners will be unveiled at a grand ceremony in Lucknow, the iconic ‘City of Nawabs.’
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With the theme #MoreSweatMoreGlory, this year’s awards celebrate the relentless dedication of athletes and para-athletes across a wide range of sports.
The selection period for the awards covered achievements from January 1 to December 31, 2024, with the final list of awardees determined by the esteemed TOISA 2024 Jury.
Here are the sailors nominated for TOISA 2024:Sailor of the YearVishnu SaravananDate of Birth: 24 February, 1999
Place of Birth: Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Sport: Sailing
Event: men’s dinghy (ILCA7)
Major Achievements in 2024
- First Indian sailor to qualify for consecutive Olympics
Vishnu Saravanan made significant strides in 2024, cementing his place as one of India’s leading athletes in sailing. One of his most notable achievements was securing India’s first sailing quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He accomplished the feat by finishing 26th in the ILCA 7 class at the World Championships held in Adelaide, Australia, in January 2024. The remarkable performance ensured his spot in the Paris Olympics, marking a historic moment for Indian sailing.
In addition to his Olympic qualification, Vishnu also clinched a gold medal at the prestigious Europa Cup 2024 sailing event in Spain, further showcasing his international prowess.
Nethra KumananDate of Birth: 21 August, 1997
Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sport: Sailing
Event: women's dinghy ILCA6
Major Achievements in 2024
- First Indian woman sailor to qualify for the Olympics
- First Indian sailor to get a direct entry into Games
Nethra Kumanan, born on August 21, 1997, in Chennai, is a pioneering Indian sailor who has made significant strides in the sport. In 2024, she achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympics in sailing.
She secured her spot for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at the Last Chance Regatta in Hyères, France, on April 26, 2024, under the Emerging Nations Programme.
At the Paris Games, Nethra competed in the Women's ILCA 6 (Laser Radial) event. She delivered commendable performances, finishing 21st overall among 43 competitors.
Despite not advancing to the medal race, her participation marked a significant achievement for Indian sailing.
Nethra's journey from Chennai to the global stage exemplifies her dedication and resilience, inspiring aspiring sailors across India.
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