Perhaps, there is no such water body anywhere in the country that is placed in the middle of the city. This Qutb Shah-era lake is a man-made one dug out to provide drinking water to the expanding city. Slowly, but surely, the lake has lost its pristine glory.
The 400-year-old picturesque Hussain Sagar has been the perfect scenario for the Hyderabad Sailing Week that is underway since two days. This lake is, indeed, nature’s gift to the city.
Perhaps, there is no such water body anywhere in the country that is placed in the middle of the city. This Qutb Shah-era lake is a man-made one dug out to provide drinking water to the expanding city. Slowly, but surely, the lake has lost its pristine glory.
However, come July, the lake is in full glory. This year, the event assumes importance as it got the accreditation from the Yachting Association of India (YAI). The 33rd edition of the Hyderabad Sailing Week is now rechristened as YAI senior national ranking sailing tournament.
Hosted jointly by EME Sailing Association and Secunderabad Sailing Club, the event has attracted 181 sailors from 15 clubs of the country. For the first time, after many years, there is international jury that has come to conduct the races.
Headed by Principal Race Officer Ilker Bayinder from Turkey and assisted by three international judges — Shibanuma Katsumi (Japan), Qidon Lu and Tony Lu (China) — the sailing week has more number of events and it is held in Laser Standard, Laser Radial, Laser 4.5 rigs and 470 class, RS: X, FX, Finn Class and 49er classes of boats in the four-day competition.
Major General TSA Narayanan, the vice-commodore of EME Sailing Association, was excited that the city sailing event has got the YAI accreditation.
Bayinder was impressed with the facilities available at the centre. “It is an exceptional venue. It is capable of hosting international event. Though the water conditions can be improved, the facilities are very good. The wind blows from 260 degrees and so far, in two days, it is not less than 10 knots and sometimes there is gusting of 20 knots which is ideal for sailing. There are other facilities like a place where one can dock 180 boats. Now, it is all about promoting the event internationally,’’ said the Turkish official.
Lt Col (retd) MP Jaggi, who has rendered yeomen service to sailing as a sport in the city, feels Hyderabad is still best venue as far as the inland sailing competition is concerned in the country. “It is a different type of challenge when you sail here. There is sudden gusting of wind and, at the same time, the wind, at times, drops to five knots. This makes it a very different challenge for the city. But, the lake has the capability to host international events.” #KhabarLive
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