Chennai’s Young Sailors Hit the Waters as International Youth Sailing Championship Opens with Grand Inauguration – After 7 years
Chennai, January 5, 2026:
The scenic waters of Chennai Port turned into a hive of sporting activity on Monday as India’s premier youth sailing event, the 11th India International Youth Sailing Championship (IIR) 2026, officially got underway. Local Optimist sailor Vantava Raguraman was among the many young athletes seen warming up, testing sail trims and adapting to Chennai’s distinctive coastal conditions ahead of the first competitive races.
The championship was formally inaugurated in the presence of senior government and defence officials, underlining the importance of the regatta to Tamil Nadu’s sporting vision. The ceremony was attended by Satya Brata Sahoo, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu – Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department; Ms. J. Meganatha Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary & CEO, SDAT; S. Vishwanathan, IAS, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority; Rear Admiral Satish Sehrawat, NM, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu Area; and Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), who jointly flagged off the championship.
Young Talent Takes Centre Stage
Visuals from the venue showed sailors fine-tuning equipment and performing trial runs, with Chennai’s swell and currents presenting an immediate challenge. The participation of 15 athletes from Tamil Nadu has added special significance to the event, giving local youth the rare opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s finest junior sailors.
Return After Seven Years
Speaking to BiGG Sports NEWS, R. Ashok Thakkar, Vice-President of the Yachting Association of India and Chairman of the IIR Organising Committee, highlighted the importance of the regatta’s comeback.
“This championship was last held in 2018. After a seven-year gap, it is truly special to see it return to Chennai. Earlier editions featured sailors from around 13 to 15 countries. This year we are proud to welcome 24 foreign sailors, along with a strong Indian contingent,” he said.
Five Competitive Classes for Youth Sailors
This year’s championship will feature competitions across five sailing classes, providing a comprehensive pathway for young athletes between the ages of 7 and 15 years and above:
- Optimist Class (7–15 years) – the foundation class for beginner sailors
- ILCA / Laser Class – one of the most widely used single-handed Olympic pathways
- 29er Class – a high-speed double-hander skiff requiring strong coordination between two sailors
- 420 Class – named after the 4.20-metre hull length, a globally recognised two-person training class
- iQFOiL Class – the latest foiling windsurfing discipline that brings speed and technology into youth sailing
Strong Backing from Tamil Nadu Government
Thakkar acknowledged the crucial support extended by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.
“We sincerely thank the Tamil Nadu Government and SDAT for investing nearly ₹2 crore in this event. Their support has helped us scale the championship and ensure world-class arrangements for our young sailors,” he added.
New Water Sports Centres Announced
In a major boost to aquatic sports in the state, Thakkar confirmed that the government is setting up two new Centres of Excellence in Tamil Nadu.
“These centres will go beyond sailing. Disciplines such as surfing, kayaking, rowing and other water sports will be promoted, enabling many more athletes to emerge from the state,” he noted.
With strong international participation, visible government commitment and enthusiastic local talent, the India International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 has begun on a high — signalling a promising future for water sports in Tamil Nadu and India at large.
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