The inaugural ILCA Open India International Sailing Championship ends in Hyderabad

Winners, officials and participants pose with their trophies during the closing ceremony of the 1st ILCA Open India International Sailing Championship and Yachting Association of India’s 40th Hyderabad Sailing Week 2026 at the Sailing Club, Hussainsagar Lake in Hyderabad on Saturday. | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

The inaugural ILCA Open India International Sailing Championship, held in conjunction with the Yachting Association of India’s (YAI) 40th Hyderabad Sailing Week 2026, concluded on Saturday (July 18) at the EME Sailing Association (EMESA) on the Hussainsagar Lake in Hyderabad.

Lt Gen Neeraj Varshney, Commandant, Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) presided over the closing ceremony and presented prizes to the winners, culminating the week-long sailing competition.

“The championship fulfilled the vision of hosting India’s first ILCA International Open Championship at Hussainsagar while reaffirming EMESA’s four-year contribution to the promotion of yachting in the country,” Lt Gen Varshney said, adding that the institution has produced Olympians, Arjuna awardees and several outstanding sailors over the years.

Organized by EMESA under the auspices of MCEME in association with the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) and Yachting Association of India (YAI), the championship saw 124 sailors, including 19 women and girls, representing 19 yachting clubs and institutions from the Army, Navy and civilian yachting establishments, along with international participants. There was competition in the ILCA-7, ILCA-6 (men and women) and ILCA-4 (boys and girls) categories.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 0:26 IST