Shillong: The picturesque Umiam Lake today concluded a thrilling five-day spectacle, the 3rd YAI North East Regatta, leaving behind a trail of strong performances and a significant announcement for the region’s sporting future. Over 80 young sailors from nine premier clubs across India battled challenging weather conditions in this Junior National Ranking Event, which also serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games.
The regatta, meticulously organised by the Umiam Sailing Club (USC) and UDAY Sailing Foundation under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI), saw 81 participants, including a commendable 25 female sailors and 9 enthusiastic newcomers. Races unfolded across five diverse boat classes, culminating in fierce competition across 11 distinct categories.
A pivotal moment arrived during the closing ceremony when Meghalaya Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, unveiled ambitious plans for Umiam Lake. He announced an investment exceeding ₹100 crore, earmarked for transforming the lake into a world-class water sports hub. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming you all back next year to experience these enhanced facilities,” stated a hopeful Lyngdoh.
Adding a modern touch to the traditional sport, this year’s regatta marked a technological first, with the entire event being live-streamed. This innovative feature allowed families and enthusiasts to follow the thrilling races remotely, connecting them to the action on the water.
The regatta celebrated several standout talents. Doaydy T Sangma from the Umiam Sailing Club was lauded as the Most Promising Sailor, a testament to his burgeoning skill. Shashank Batham of the National Sailing School (NSS), Bhopal, clinched the prestigious Col Jaggi Trophy, a remarkable feat achieved by securing seven ‘guns’ in the challenging ILCA 6 category.
The National Sailing School (NSS), Bhopal, emerged as the Best Sailing Club, a recognition well-deserved after securing an impressive ten medals throughout the competition. Despite being a relatively young club, established just three years ago, the Umiam Sailing Club showcased significant growth by fielding the third-largest contingent at the regatta, underscoring the rapid rise of sailing in Meghalaya.
Dignitaries from YAI, the Defence forces, and various sailing foundations joined local leaders at the closing ceremony, collectively highlighting the growing significance of the Northeast region on India’s national sailing calendar.
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