19-year-old Upamanyu Dutta, junior National Champion in the double-handed International 420 class, launched his career in the ultra-competitive single-handed Laser class in spectacular fashion by upsetting the much fancied sailors of the Army’s Olympic Node to win the Senior National title on Friday at the INWTC, Navy’s yachting facility in Colaba.
Upmanyu
Going into the final round, Upamanyu had already created waves by holding a slender two-point lead in the championship over Army’s favourite, Gitesh Kumar. In a war of nerves, the youngster held his own in a tense pre-start match race against the experienced Gitesh and then accelerated away to win the last race and the coveted national title.
The Laser Class held centre stage at the five days long Senior National Sailing Championships conducted this year by the Yachting Association of India (YAI). The Laser Class, which is an Olympic event, saw a record 46 entries from all over India and was bitterly contested for. Tricky tide and wind conditions had the sailors in a bind and the lead switched several times over the last few days. Upamanyu could have led early, if not for the bad luck of having the race he won on the second day thrown out. However, typically cool and laconic, Upamanyu, who represented India at the Asian Games last year in the 420 Class, proved his champion’s temperament by delivering a superb performance when it counted.
The young champion now looks forward to pursuing his Olympic dreams. Having recently completed his schooling at the Bombay International School, Upamanyu will now be based in Europe where he will train under experienced coach Tamas Eszes. “If I have the support I need, I will to push myself to the limit and train endless hours to win the first Olympic medal in sailing for India in 2020”, says Upamanyu.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Adm Robin Dhowan, President of the YAI gave away the prizes in a glittering ceremony at the INWTC. Speaking at the occasion, Adm Dhowan congratulated Upamanyu and the other medal winners and said the YAI will continue to support the young budding talent in the sport of sailing.
The results –
Laser Standard (Men)
1. Upamanyu Dutta (INWTC)
2. Gitesh Kumar (AYN)
3. Bikram Mohapatra (AYN)
Laser Radial (Women)
1. Nethra Kumanan (TNSA)
RSX (Men)
1. Dayne Coelho (GBSA)