In a remarkable moment for Indian sailing, Mumbai’s Zahaan Hemrajani achieved a top-10 finish at the U17 O’pen Skiff World Championships in Nishinomiya, Japan, held from July 17–23, 2025.
This landmark performance considered one of the best ever by an Indian sailor in a global youth sailing event not only highlights Zahaan’s individual brilliance but also offers a blueprint for India’s rising prospects in a sport still emerging on the national landscape.
A Historic Milestone for Indian Youth Sailing
The O’pen Skiff class, designed specifically for youth sailors, is known for its exciting, fast-paced format and accessible structure. Competitors from 10 nations took part in the event, with 93 participants split between U13 and U17 divisions. For Zahaan, the journey to a top-10 finish was not a straight line he missed several early races due to faulty equipment but bounced back with extraordinary grit, winning two races and placing in the top 10 in nearly half of his heats.
Such resilience in the face of adversity is what made his performance stand out. Even with setbacks early in the regatta, Zahaan displayed elite composure and mental toughness well beyond his years. For a sailor who only began competing in 2023, the trajectory is nothing short of astonishing.
The Rise of Zahaan Hemrajani
Zahaan’s rise in the O’pen Skiff class has been meteoric. He began sailing just last year, won the Indian National U12 Championship at Mandwa, and placed 19th at the U12 World Championship in Italy in 2023. Within a year, he jumped categories to compete with the world’s best in the U17 class and finished among the top 10.
What makes this feat even more commendable is the fact that Zahaan had to overcome early technical setbacks in Nishinomiya. Missing multiple opening races due to equipment malfunction would derail most young athletes, but Zahaan bounced back with race wins, proving that he belongs at the elite level. His journey embodies not only talent but tenacity qualities that will serve him well as he ascends in competitive sailing.
Strong Support Systems Paved the Way
Behind Zahaan’s success is a network of mentors, institutions, and family who believed in his potential. Coach Umesh Naiksatam and the 24Seven Sailing Team played a pivotal role in sharpening his skills and mindset. He also benefitted from the mentorship of Amish Ved, whose faith in Zahaan’s abilities helped instill a sense of belief during difficult times.
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Zahaan’s family especially his father Ashish Hemrajani, founder of BookMyShow has also provided steadfast support. Notably, Ashish’s own passion for sailing likely inspired Zahaan’s early interest in the sport. Institutions such as the Royal Bombay Yacht Club (RBYC) and the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC) have also been crucial in facilitating access to professional training.
The Maharashtra government’s timely intervention in allowing Zahaan uninterrupted access to Pawna Lake during the monsoon season highlights how crucial state-level facilitation can be. Even his school Oberoi International supported his academic flexibility, showing that high-performance sport and education can go hand-in-hand when there’s collective will.
Why the O’pen Skiff Class Matters for India
Zahaan’s success brings focus to the O’pen Skiff class, which is rapidly becoming a preferred training ground for junior sailors globally. Lauded by legends like Sir Russell Coutts, this class emphasizes fun, agility, and skill-building. With its user-friendly design, affordability, and quick rigging, it’s an ideal vessel for youth in a country like India where sailing is still considered elite.
The O’pen Skiff is also uniquely suited to India’s sailing ambitions because it lowers barriers to entry. It teaches foundational skills in a way that is both competitive and enjoyable, and it offers a clear progression path to more advanced classes. Zahaan’s rise proves that with focused support and access, Indian sailors can thrive on international platforms in this class.
A Beacon for Aspiring Sailors
Zahaan’s journey has the potential to reshape the narrative around sailing in India. Long considered an elite or niche sport, success stories like his, and others like those from the Yacht Club of Hyderabad, show that sailing can be a transformative sport even for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
India’s broader sailing ecosystem from the Yachting Association of India (YAI) to local clubs is showing signs of maturity. Programs like “Connect To Sailing” are making grassroots inroads, but Zahaan’s performance provides the visibility and spark needed to accelerate these efforts. Moreover, stories from other Indian sailing hubs like Hyderabad show how youth sailing can offer opportunities beyond medals from education to inclusion in armed forces training schemes. Zahaan’s success amplifies the message that sailing is more than a sport it’s a life-shaping experience.
The key now is to capitalize on this momentum. Zahaan’s performance is a compelling argument for increased investment in youth sailing from equipment grants to world-class coaching and infrastructure development. It also makes the case for making sailing more visible in Indian media, schools, and youth sports circles.
Furthermore, stakeholders including the YAI, state governments, and sponsors must work together to ensure that Zahaan is not an exception but a forerunner of a new era in Indian sailing. His success is not just a celebration of one sailor’s grit and determination, but a call to action to make India a force in global sailing.
Zahaan Hemrajani’s historic top-10 finish in Japan is more than a personal milestone it’s a national breakthrough. It proves that India’s youth can compete with the best on the water, that our infrastructure and support systems can deliver, and that sailing can become a truly mainstream sport with the right push.
If nurtured correctly, Zahaan’s story could be the start of a golden chapter in Indian sailing. It’s time for the tide to turn and with young sailors like Zahaan at the helm, the future looks buoyant.
