HYDERABAD: Suheim Sheikh, the founder president of the Yacht Club of Hyderabad and a veteran sailor with four decades of experience, has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Yachting Association of India (YAI). This recognition celebrates his extensive contributions to the sport, both as a competitive sailor and as an administrator dedicated to nurturing young talent.
Award Holds Special Significance for Veteran Sailor
Sheikh expressed that receiving this award feels "particularly special" because it comes from his peers within the sailing community. "I started sailing when I was about 10 or 12 years old. The sport was a constant part of my life ever since, both as a sailor and as an administrator," he shared, reflecting on his lifelong journey with yachting.
From Software Career to Sailing Passion
In a significant life transition, Sheikh gave up his career in software to fully pursue his passion for sailing. This decision led him to establish the Yacht Club of Hyderabad in 2009, located at Sanjeevaiah Park on Hussainsagar. Since its inception, the club has made remarkable strides in training young sailors.
Impressive Training Record and Achievements
The club has trained over 1,200 young sailors who have collectively won an impressive 254 national medals and 28 international laurels. "At any given time, around 100 young sailors are trained at the club, with continuous efforts to scout and groom new talent," Sheikh explained, highlighting the club's ongoing commitment to developing future champions.
Transforming Lives of Underprivileged Youth
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Yacht Club of Hyderabad's work is its focus on sailors from humble backgrounds. Sheikh revealed that most trainees come from families where parents work as daily wagers, construction laborers, or earn less than Rs 1,000 per day. The club goes beyond sailing training by providing comprehensive support including education, nutrition, and healthcare expenses for these young athletes.
Success Stories from Vulnerable Backgrounds
Two standout examples are Lahiri Komaravalli (15) from Siddipet and Eswa Suragani (14) from Suryapet, both of whom come from extremely vulnerable backgrounds. These young sailors have emerged as strong contenders for the Asian Games after winning the first two selection trials.
Speaking from the Asian Games trials in Mumbai, Lahiri praised his coach: "Suheim sir gives us great training. Even if we don't understand at first, he makes us practise until we get it. Of course, 40 years of experience is a lot, and he deserves this achievement. I am very happy for him, and this motivates us to do better in competitions."
Olympic-Class Achievements and Future Prospects
In the Olympic-class 49er FX category, sailors Dharani and Tanuja have finished second in trials and are on their way to being named reserves for the Asian Games. Both are national champions who regularly compete in senior international events, demonstrating the high caliber of talent emerging from Indian sailing programs.
Expansion Plans and National Responsibilities
Looking toward the future, Sheikh outlined ambitious plans for the Yacht Club of Hyderabad. "The club aims to double its strength to 200 sailors in the coming year," he announced. Additionally, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of organizing national sailing championships, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from February 7.
Sheikh emphasized his philosophy for growing the sport: "The only way to grow a sport is to have more athletes. Our focus is to expand participation and grow sailing in a big way."
Acknowledgments and Support Systems
The veteran sailor expressed gratitude toward the Telangana government for its infrastructural support, which includes:
- Jetties for sailing operations
- Boat sheds for equipment storage
- Gym facilities for athlete training
- Office space for administrative functions
He also praised the Yachting Association of India for maintaining what he described as a transparent and fair selection system that gives equal opportunities to all talented sailors regardless of their background.
Sheikh's Lifetime Achievement Award recognition comes at a time when Indian sailing is gaining momentum, with young talents from humble beginnings making their mark on national and international stages. His journey from software professional to sailing mentor demonstrates how passion combined with dedication can create lasting impact in sports development.
