Nethra Kumanan: Sailing towards Tokyo 2020

Nethra Kumanan: From Weekend Sailor to Olympic Qualifier

In the scorching summer of 2011, a 14-year-old Nethra Kumanan found her passion for sailing at a weekend race organized by the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association. Fast forward to April 26, 2021, and Nethra has secured India’s second Paris Olympics quota in sailing, making her the first Indian woman to qualify for the games in Tokyo 2020.

Nethra’s journey to Olympic qualification has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting her international career in 2014 with an Asian Games qualification, she has worked tirelessly to hone her skills and represent her country on the global stage. Her dedication and hard work paid off at the Last Chance Regatta in Hyeres, France, where she clinched the coveted Olympic quota under the Emerging Nations Program.

The ILCA6 class boat that Nethra sails is a single-handed dinghy, requiring precision and skill to maneuver through the water. She describes the sport as both freeing and challenging, with Chennai’s ideal conditions providing the perfect training ground for her international pursuits.

Reflecting on her journey, Nethra credits her parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices to help her achieve her dreams. As she prepares for the upcoming Olympics in Paris, Nethra is focused on fine-tuning her skills and embracing the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.

With a training camp in Marseille and a major regatta in Germany on the horizon, Nethra is determined to make her mark on the Olympic stage. For this young sailor, it’s not just about the joy of sailing, but the thrill of competition and the pursuit of excellence that drives her forward.

As Nethra sets her sights on Tokyo 2020, she is ready to showcase her talent and represent India with pride on the world stage. Her journey from a weekend sailor to an Olympic qualifier is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and unwavering determination to succeed in the sport she loves.