Team Herald
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MORJIM: Goa ruled the waves with siblings Dayne and Katya Coelho sailing high above the rest on the opening day of the All India Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Championship 2025 organised by Bord Sailing Association (BSA) and Premier Kiteboarding Association at Vithaldasvaddo, Morjim Beach, on Thursday.
Keona Rajani was in control, while 11-year-old Naavya Kaku from Mumbai showed her class in the U-19 category.
Siblings Dayne and Katya set the winds blazing in the first iQFoil race of the day with Dayne winning all four races of the day with ease and finishing with a total of four points. NS Rawat of INWTC (Goa) finished second finishing fourth in the first race and second in the next three.
Katya Coelho showed her prowess in the women iQFoil event finishing miles ahead of her opponents winning all three whilst her compatriots ended with no shows and DNF (did not finish) thus literally assuring her an easy finish in the next few days.
Keona Rajani of Goa fluttered amongst the women in Kitesurfing TTR finishing first in four races and with four points was thirteen points clear of her nearest rival Polina Shabalina who finished second in the first race and did not finish in two.
Naavya Kaku won all her three races in the U-19 category with the other competitors unable to catch up with her.
“Races started with winds between 10 to 12 knots and by afternoon wind speed had reached around 15 to 18 knots. These are the best wind speeds for the sport and whoever have participated is lucky,” opined Beach Master James Anderson.
The championship was declared open by Mandrem Police Station Inspector Sheriff Jacques, who was amazed with the enthusiasm of the participants.