India Sailing Fresh Start In December

Seeing the poor performance of Indian in sailing competition in Rio Olympics, Yachting Association of India decided not to renew the contract of national coach Pete Conway who is from England.


The decision to not to renew contract was taken keeping Varun Thakkar-KC Ganapathy (49er) and Varsha Gautham-Aishwarya Nedunchezhiyan (49erFX) in consideration. All four need to clear their academic examination backlog.

But, the cheer came to face all these payers when YAI decided to get a new coach from Australia. From December, the coach from Australia Ian Stuart Warren will join YAI as a coach and will take over the position. In Australia, Warren has produced four Olympians and his recruitment has been done keeping this fact in mind. YAI member said sports ministry has already finalized his name; we are just waiting for his contract finalization that will go for four years.

He is the deserving candidate for the profile as he has a good track record. Moreover, the financial expectations of Warren were within the capacity of YAI and thus he became the first choice. According to sources, the decision to get a new coach for the team was taken keeping the coming Olympics in mind.

In 2014, girls team won Asiad bronze and after 2008 the presence of Indian team in Olympic sailing was never felt. The players are happy to have a new coach, but will not start practicing with him as they have to finish their school education first.

At the break of eight month the four players from India Varun Thakkar-KC Ganapathy (49er) and Varsha Gautham-Aishwarya Nedunchezhiyan (49erFX) will do physical training. YAI is positive about Warren and now it is up to the new coach and players how they make the difference to bring India’s name in sailing competition at the international level championship.