‘Sail India 2026’ Competition Sets Sail at Swarayabhoomi
Indian Army and BMC provide free sailing training to municipal school students
With an eye on the 2026 Asian Games to be held in Nagoya, Japan, India’s sailing athletes have stepped up their preparations as the prestigious ‘Sail India 2026’ competition and Asian Games Selection Trials – Phase 2 commenced with grandeur at Swarajyabhoomi, Girgaon Chowpatty.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of the BMC–Army Sailing School, highlighting a strong focus on grassroots sports development. The initiative offers municipal school students free sailing training, giving them first-hand exposure to the adventurous sport of sailing and laying the foundation for nurturing future elite athletes.
National-Level Competition with Olympic Aspirations
Around 150 top sailors from 18 clubs and institutions across India are participating in ‘Sail India 2026’, competing across multiple Olympic and international sailing categories. Through a rigorous selection process, these trials will play a crucial role in finalising the Indian sailing contingent for the 2026 Asian Games.
Distinguished Presence and Vision for Sporting Excellence
The competition was formally inaugurated at Swarayabhoomi in the presence of senior dignitaries including **Indian Army officials and representatives of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Among those present were Salil Seth, Major General and Chief of Staff, Maharashtra–Gujarat Area Headquarters; Chanda Jadhav, Deputy Commissioner (Special); Prachi Jambhekar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education); Manish Valanju, Assistant Commissioner of ‘D’ Ward; and Indrani Malkani, member of the high-level Swarayabhoomi committee.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Salil Seth emphasised discipline, sporting spirit, and the goal of elevating India’s presence on the international sporting stage. He noted that these selection trials would prove to be a landmark chapter in the history of Indian sailing.
Free Sailing Training for Municipal Students
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Prachi Jambhekar highlighted that one of the most distinctive features of ‘Sail India 2026’ is its strong emphasis on grassroots sports development. Through a joint initiative of the Indian Army and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, free sailing training is being provided to school students via the BMC–Army Sailing School.
This exposure is expected to inspire Mumbai’s students to take up sailing seriously, while also contributing to the creation of disciplined, skilled, and internationally competitive sailors in the years ahead