NEW DELHI: Asian Games bronze medallist Vishnu Saravanan has become the first Indian sailor to qualify for successive Olympics. The 24-year-old, a Subedar from the Mumbai-based Army Yachting Node, secured his berth for the Paris Games at the ILCA-7 World Championship.
Vishnu's remarkable journey to qualification saw him finish 26th out of 152 participants in the championship, showcasing his skills and determination on the global stage.
His achievement is a significant milestone for Indian sailing and marks a breakthrough for the sport in the country.
Competing in the ILCA-7 category, Vishnu excelled, securing the top rank among Asian countries. His performance surpassed gold medallists from Singapore in the Asian Games and medallists from Hong Kong and Thailand in the Continental Qualifiers.
Vishnu concluded the World Championship with an overall score of 174, showcasing consistent and commendable performance throughout the competition. Following standard rules, his least score of 49 in a race was subtracted, resulting in a net score of 125.
The Mumbai-based sailor had previously won the bronze medal in the 2019 Under-21 World Championships, demonstrating his potential and talent in the sport.
Vishnu's qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics is a source of pride for Indian sailing and highlights the growing competitiveness of Indian athletes on the international stage.
(With inputs from PTI)
