Mongia, Garg fail to sail

November 16: In all certainty, the Enterprise Class National Sailing Championshoip that gets under way here tomorrow will produce a new champion. Defending champions Naresh and Girdharilal Yadav have since parted ways, while last year runner-up Ashim Mongia and Pushpendra Garg, India’s entry for the Asian Games, will not make an appearance this year. Mongia is nursing a broken hand after an unfortunate road mishap, while Garg could not get leave from administrative duties in New Delhi.

The Yadavs are participating. Girdharilal has teamed up with R Mahesh, a promising prospect and India’s entry in the Laser Event at Bangkok. Naresh has paired up with Rami. Among others expected to leave a mark on the event, sponsored by Maersk Shipping and offering Rs 62,000 in prize money, are Mehul Ashar and Gautam Dutta. Ashar, a Sea Cadet Corps, was 19th among 100 participants in the British Nationals this year, while Dutta was the country’s entry in OK Dinghy class at the Asiad.

The contest will run over seven racesat Naval Sailing Club, two races everyday starting tomorrow, and one scheduled for Saturday. The event has drawn 41 entries, including six all-women pairs.