Against the tide
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The world of sports is replete with famed fables overcoming obstacles of various forms before walking on the path to glory. Kaki Raghavendra and Nikhil, who finished 14th and 21st respectively in the Optimist Class at the recently-concluded Junior Sailing Nationals in Mumbai, belong to the aforementioned category.
As one ventures along the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake in Sanjeevaiah Park, the two can be spotted fine-tuning their sailing skills at the Yacht Club of Hyderabad. Raghavendra, who lost his father last year, studies at the government school in Monda market, Secunderabad. “My mother works as a maid at various places and supports our family. She earns around Rs 3,000 a month. It is a struggle to make ends meet,” he said. “My father was a daily-wage labourer who passed away last year. He fell down from the steps, and injured his head. We could not take him to the hospital on time, and he left us,” said Raghavendra. But that does not deter this 14-year-old to follow his passion.
“I started learning this sport about two years back. Sailing is very similar to life in general. You wouldn’t know what to expect from the waters, much like in life. Apart from sailing I also enjoy playing cricket. Virat Kohli is my favourite,” said Raghavendra.
“We provide the infrastructure for these kids, and help them learn this sport. Our motto is to achieve dignity through sport. The likes of champion pole-vaulter Sergey Bubka, sprinters P.T. Usha and Carl Lewis came from humble backgrounds, and they went on to conquer the world. We believe these kids could make a mark in the coming years,” said Suheim Sheikh, founder of the Yacht Club of Hyderabad.
Nikhil, whose mother is a fishmonger, too lost his father over two years ago. However, instead of talking about the hardships his family undergoes, Nikhil chooses to speak on sailing. “Sailing is an obsession for me. I never miss a single day’s practice. This sport helps me forget my troubles, and that’s why I love it so much,” Nikhil said. Much akin to the class of the boats the duo sail on, they remain upbeat about sailing their way through difficulties.
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