The International OK Dinghy World
Championship was conducted in Goa. This was the first time that India had
been given the honour of conducting this event by the International OK
Dinghy Association.
The conduct of the championship was
entrusted to the EME Sailing Association (EMESA) by the OK Dinghy
Association of India. The EMESA was formed in 1964 at Secunderabad and
today it is equipped with over 30 boats of all kinds and a world class
sailing infrastructure. The EMESA has been a host to a number of national
and international championships.
The OK Dinghy Championship saw the
participation of 15 soldiers from abroad and 10 Indians. Seven races, as
part of the championship, were held in varying wind conditions. The event
was flagged off by Mr Kidar Nath Sahani, Governor of Goa.
Mr Nitin Mongia of India got off to
a flying start and won the first five races in a row, finishing third in
the sixth race. He thus created a record of being the first Indian to win
the world title in this class. The runners-up was Mr Ben Morrison from New
Zealand and Mr Nick Craig of Great Britian got the bronze medal. Ms Mary
Reddy, the lone lady competitor in the fray finished 18
and won accolades for her grit.
Lt Gen VK Dhir, Director General of
EME and President of the OK Dinghy Association of India, said that Indian
Army has been promoting water sports, particularly sailing. Mr Joe
Porebski, Vice President of the International OK Dinghy Association,
opined that this was one of the best organised sailing events in the last
two decades.
- Col Rajesh Kochhar
