In an exclusive interview with EVENTFAQS, Ajay Narang, Joint Secretary General, YAI, discussed the India International Regatta, the growth of this property, and its future.

How has the India International Regatta grown over the years?

The event was established in 2009 with the aim of showcasing India and its fantastic marine and sailing conditions around the world. In the future, it is expected to generate an economic boost to the country. Furthermore, another legacy the event would establish is a talented pool of trained sailing officials and volunteers, and an increased number of new participants in the sport across the country, while simultaneously raising the profile of sailing.

We have, in this short span of three years, achieved much more than we had set as targets by adding more than 200 young sailors (eight to 13 years old) into the sport. We have added 12 new sailing clubs in the country and we now have our own internationally qualified officials in the country.

In the past three years, the participation levels, both domestic and overseas, has grown manifold. We intend to add more classes of boats in the future so as to enable larger participation.

How did you decide to associate with Raymond for this event? How long is this partnership for?

Raymond Ltd. has retained its market leadership in all the businesses it operates in on account of its focus on leadership, trust and excellence. All sport forms, especially sailing, are a pursuit of excellence and hence, resonate with the brand. For the company to associate with the India International Regatta on Oct. 2 to Oct. 9 in Chennai was thus a natural decision. Raymond reiterates its commitment to promote sailing by associating with this event in the long-term. Specific details of the long-term association are still being worked upon.

What kind of a benefit do you see arising from this partnership?

Sailing attracts people who display qualities of leadership, dynamism, team work and a competitive spirit. Also, that this event is being held with a green message adds further strength to our association.

What do you have planned in future for this property? What kind of growth do you see for this sport in this country?

Since it is difficult to film on water, the sport gets hardly any coverage on TV. This year we have engaged the services of Icarus Sailing Media, a specialist company, to produce high quality videos of the event, which are being provided to all local and international media.

In addition, we will be able to screen the footage in schools to show children what an exciting sport sailing is and this will also be handy in analysing the performance and progress of our sailors. It is also of great benefit to local yachtsmen and boaties and will be one of the legacies from staging this prestigious international event.

The event provides opportunities for talent within India, who are disadvantaged by a lack of resources. The event has given each athlete the experience required to allow them to mature and gain the confidence and knowledge to compete at a world class standard in the near future.