Nethra Kumanan of Chennai (India Rank No.1, since 2017) will be representing India at the Paris Olympics, 2024, in solo sailing. She is a Mechanical Engineer by profession, but was propelled by good wind towards her passion for sailing. A full-time sportswoman, she is either in training or in sailing events, at sea. The races are slotted from August 1 to 7. The event: ILCA 6.
Her sports manager Thomas Abraham got her to speak to Adyar Times from Marseilles, where she is in PreOlympic training at the race venue with her coach Tamas Eszes.
Nethra speaks about her training and her emotional status during the events, “I enjoy training, though it can be hard at the end of training camps; it’s long hours and monotonous but heavy labour. But we get to be in the open water and I love it! There is a sense of freedom and awe when you are out in the ocean all by yourself doing something you love. It is an exhilarating experience in whatever sea you are in. I usually train at Gran Canaria islands.”
Asked about her diet specifics, and her expectations now, she said, “No special diet patterns, but I try to eat whole foods, clean foods. Being shorter than average I need to keep my weight on the higher side, so definitely can’t be underfuelling, and it’s great to eat good food without restrictions.
I have set myself very specific goals. In sailing, anything can happen, as it is the weather and elements that we are using and harnessing. An element of luck is a constant undercurrent in our performance. My focus is entirely on enjoying the execution and seeing how far it takes me.”
I asked her if the heat at sea impacts her performance, and she said, “Though sailing is a summer sport, it’s largely based in Europe ( I mean the big events), it can get very cold and dry or hot and humid. It depends on which part of the world and what season the event is happening. But we are adapted to any eventuality.”
“I’m excited and looking forward to being able to represent the country on one of the world’s biggest stages! A lot of work, preparation and joy has gone into the process and I’m yet to see it through to the end of this mega event!
I believe Pressure is a Privilege and I’ve learnt to make the most of it! Thank you very much!”
Adyar Times wishes Nethra Kumanan all the best in this prestigious event.
Thomas Abraham – Founder of Sports Solutions & Zattron Management Company can be contacted at [email protected].
