PANJIM: First time in the history of yachting, 17-year-old Goan boy Dayne Edgar Coelho from Calangute has been awarded the Admiral Nadkarni Trophy for the Most Promising Yachtsman of the Year 2015, in New Delhi, recently.
Dayne was felicitated at a glittering ceremony with Arjuna Awardees, Admirals of Navy, Generals of Army and all renowned heroes and recognized as India’s best hope in the sport for the Olympics and Asian Games.
His evident talent was showcased in the recently concluded Senior National championship this year in Mumbai as he bagged a gold medal. He still eligible for youth categories.
Dayne had record breaking results being India’s first ever bronze medallist at the SIMS 34 Singapore Asian Open Windsurfing championships and dominated in the Youth Olympic class for five consecutive years.
Dayne very modestly confirmed that he was happy to be recognized by the National sporting body and feels that there are a lot of challenges ahead and he will be able to best the top athletes in the World sooner than expected.
His coach Ashutosh Tripathi was very happy with the recognition and thanked God for his kindness and support. Dayne’s father, Donald reiterated that given the right backing from the Government, Dayne will make Goa and India proud in times to come
Dayne is currently preparing for the Olympic qualifications in March 2016 at Abu Dhabi (Rio Olympic 2016 August) where he will be the youngest competitor to represent the country.
