Nethra Kumanan: The Indian Trailblazer Setting Sail for Paris 2024

From Chennai to the Mediterranean, Nethra Kumanan's Journey of Perseverance and Passion

Nethra Kumanan, a 26-year-old sailing sensation from Chennai, has made waves once again by securing a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her journey, filled with determination and grit, is nothing short of inspirational.

A Golden Start

Nethra's ascent in the sailing world was marked by her gold medal victory at the Asian Championships in 2022. This achievement was a testament to her hard work and skill, paving the way for her to secure an Olympic quota under the Emerging Nations Programme at the Last Chance Regatta, a crucial qualifier event.

Balancing Life and Sport

In May 2024, Nethra found herself at home in Chennai—a rare break from her rigorous training schedule in Spain. During a Zoom interview, she humorously pleaded with her father to stop teasing her about her time spent on her phone. Her father listened as she reflected on her journey, highlighting the significant role a sports psychologist, provided by Dream Sports Foundation, has played in helping her manage the mental pressures of sailing.

"Sailing is a mental sport," Nethra explained. "A lot of components are not under our control. It's still something I struggle with." Her event at the Paris Olympics is the women's Laser Radial, a single-sail, single-handed dinghy.

A Historic Achievement

Nethra made history as the first Indian woman to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, an achievement that was both groundbreaking and morale-boosting. Although she narrowly missed out on qualifying at the Asian Games, she remained undeterred.

"Sailing is not about doing the best, but making the least mistakes as you go around the course," she said, emphasizing the importance of decision-making in the sport.

Passion Ignited

Nethra's love for sailing began at a summer camp when she was 12. Before discovering her passion for the ocean, she dabbled in tennis, badminton, basketball, and even Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form. "It's unlike anything else," she said, describing the exhilaration of being on the ocean and witnessing marine life up close.

Despite the challenges, Nethra believes sailing in India is more accessible than many think. With growing support from sailing clubs and the government, the sport is gaining traction. However, she acknowledges the need for Indian sailors to train in Europe to compete on a global level.

Preparing for Paris

In contrast to Tokyo, Nethra feels better prepared for Paris, thanks to the support of her coach, Tamas Eszes. Training in Marseille alongside fellow Indian sailor Vishnu Saravanan, Nethra is focused and ready to tackle the Mediterranean's winds and tides. "I know what to expect, what can throw me off. Now I can focus on what I have to do," she said.

A Beacon of Inspiration

Nethra Kumanan isn't just a sailor; she's a trailblazer. Her historic qualification for the Tokyo Olympics and her perseverance to make it to Paris 2024 have inspired many. She has shown that with passion and dedication, barriers can be broken, and new horizons can be explored.

As Nethra sets sail for Paris, we extend our best wishes to this remarkable athlete who continues to make India proud.

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