Nethra Kumaran becomes the first Indian sailor to qualify for the Olympics on Wednesday. She qualified for the Tokyo Olympic finishing at the top in the laser radial event of the Asian Qualifiers in Oman.
The 23 years old Kumanan has a 21-point advantage over 2nd place Ramya Saravanan. Ramya Saravan is also an Indian. However, Kumaran sealed her place in the Olympics with a round in hand.
Asian Sailing Federation President Malav Shroff told PTI said, “Yes, Kumanan has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with one race to go on the final day on Thursday.”
“The final race is a 20 pointer but the point gap with her nearest Asian rival, also an Indian, is more than 20.”- she added.
Nethra’s coach Tamas Eszes is also delighted with Nethra’s performance. The Hungarian said, “Nethra qualified for the Olympics today, with a big lead in points; however the event is going to finish officially tomorrow, after the last race called Medal Race.”
However, the final day of the competition is still left. Dutchwoman Emma Charlotte Jeanne Savelon are currently in second spot with a 3 points difference. Though the final result will not effect the Nethra’s place in Olympic as Emma is nowhere in the scene for Olympics qualification from this event as this is an Asian Qualifier.
“The result of Medal Race will not change the fact that she managed to get one of the (Olympic quota) spot (out of 2).”- Nethra’s coach added.
