Vishnu Saravanan, Ganapathy-Varun Pair Qualify for Olympics, India's Historic First

New Delhi: India witnessed a fine moment in history as four sailors Vishnu Saravanan, the Ganapathy Chengappa pair, and Varun Thakkar qualifies for this year's Tokyo Olympics after making a cut in the Asian Qualifiers in Oman. 

This happened after Nethra Kumanan became the first Indian women sailor to qualify for the Olympics on Wednesday. She competed in the laser radial event in the Asian Olympic qualifying event called Mussanah Open Championship. 

Also, it is the first time that India is all set to compete in three sailing events in the Olympics. 

According to the joint secretary of the Yachting Association Of India General Capt Jitendra Dixit, it is history in making for India because a maximum number of sailors have qualified and are competing in the maximum number of events like never before. "Nethra already qualified on Wednesday and today Vishnu and then the pair of Ganapathy and Varun made it," he added. 

In the Olympics so far, India had participated only in one event and two sailors have represented the country on four occasions. 

At first, Saravanan was the one to qualify for the Tokyo Games in Laser Standard Class after finishing second in the overall standings.

Later, the Chengappa-Thakkar duo topped the points table in the 49er Class. The 49er Class is two sailor team event whereas laser class is a solo event. 

Till the penultimate day on Wednesday, Vishnu Saravanan was third but on Thursday he won the medal race and came second with 53 points, and secure his place in the Tokyo Olympics. 

Even though Kumanan had come sixth in the laser radial class medal race on Thursday, he managed to come second with 30 points enough for him to compete in this year's Olympics. 

Kiren Rijuju, the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports had tweeted, "I congratulate Vishnu Saravanan who has qualified for Tokyo Olympic in the Laser Std Class Sailing event at the Mussanah Championships. Our athletes are making a mark in all disciplines!"

The success story of our sailors is indeed a proud moment for all Indians as we rejoice with them and hope they bring a top to the table on the big stage. 

Also Read - 17-Year-Old Cyberstalker Arrested After Victim Files Complaint

Also Watch - All- girl 'Husori troupe' geared up to showcase their talent