Hyderabad, India — The crowd was all smiles as Suheim Sheikh, a well-known figure in Hyderabad’s sailing scene, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Yachting Association of India (YAI). It’s a big nod to his 40-plus years spent pushing sailing forward, both in his hometown and across the country.
Sheikh, who started and still leads the Yacht Club of Hyderabad, took the award at a ceremony full of old friends and new fans. He’s spent his life not just on the water, but building up young talent and making sure sailing isn’t an exclusive sport. For the YAI — the top sailing body in India — to give him this honor, it’s not just about one man. It’s about how far the sport has come in India, and how much one person can change the game.
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A Life Spent on the Water
Sheikh started sailing as a teenager and never really stopped. He’s put in the hours, fought hard in competitions, and led from the front. Most days, you’ll find him at Sanjeevaiah Park, down by Hussainsagar Lake. That’s where the Yacht Club trains hundreds of kids — and where Sheikh has guided more than 1,200 sailors over the years. Under his wing, they’ve racked up 254 national medals and 28 international honors. He’s not just a coach; he’s built a team of champions.
More Than Just Medals
But Sheikh’s story isn’t just about winning. A lot of his students come from tough backgrounds — parents working daily-wage jobs, money always tight. Still, he’s made sure that if a kid wants to sail, nothing stops them. The club chips in for everything: school fees, meals, even healthcare. For Sheikh, sport isn’t just about trophies; it’s about lifting people up.
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At the latest Asian Games trials, two of his protégés, Lahiri Komaravalli (15) and Eswa Suragani (14), made waves with strong performances. That’s the proof, right there, that his way works — and that Hyderabad’s sailing scene matters on the national stage.
Building the Sport, One Sailor at a Time
Since leaving his software job and founding the club in 2009, Sheikh has opened doors for a whole new generation. He’s not just thinking about top-level athletes, either. He’s reaching kids at the grassroots, making sure anyone who loves the water gets a shot. This year, the club is set to double its enrollment, and they keep hosting major regattas with help from the YAI.
Even the Telangana government has noticed. Officials praised Sheikh for helping build docks, boat sheds, and training centers — all the stuff you need for a sport to really grow.
Looking Ahead
For Sheikh, the award means a lot — especially since it comes from his fellow sailors. Looking back, he says mentorship, grit, and a strong community have been key to India’s sailing success.
With Indian sailors now making their mark at the Olympics and international regattas, Sheikh’s work feels even more important. He’s laid a solid foundation, and you can bet his story will push the next wave of sailors to chase their own dreams out on the water.
