National sailing championship: Ekta hogs limelight in 1st sailing playoffs

A girl fighting hard to control her sailing boat, which was wobbling due to strong winds, attracted spectators who were present at Upper Lake on Thursday.

She hogged the limelight not for her strong efforts but for great passion for sailing because she was doing it with her broken leg. She was screaming in pain but she was not diverted from her game for a single minute.

Meet international sailor Ekta Yadav. Ekta didn't want to lose chance of performing on her home ground. So, despite doctor's suggestion not to participate in the 1st Inland National Sailing Championship 2014, being held at Upper Lake, she not only participated but is also running on the number 3 position after the second round.

Ekta said, "I met with an accident while practicing for the championship. We have prepared a lot for winning a medal in the championship and I don't want to spoil my chance due to my fracture. Injuries are the part of the game - sailing. When I used to be on boat, I never felt any kind of pain. However, it would have hurt more if I fail to compete in the championship."

Arjun Awardee and chief coach GL Yadav praised the trainee's efforts. "In sailing, players use all their body parts to control the boat and to overturn the boat and it is not possible without fitness. Fitness plays an important role in sailing but Ekta's will to win a medal is so strong that she gave her best although she was unfit. However, the fracture affected her performance."

Madhya Pradesh Sailing Association secretary Dev Raj Singh said the talented and passionate players like Ekta Yadav would take our state's name forward at the international level. "Sailing is not an easy game. It needs a lot of passion and knowledge. I feel proud that the seeds, which I had sown 30 years ago, are now giving fruits in the form of players like Ekta and Shaila," he said.