Making Waves: The Inspiring Journey of Three Young Sailors Defying the Odds

Pune, 18th June 2026: In a sport often perceived as exclusive and accessible only to a privileged few, three young girls from humble backgrounds are rewriting the narrative — one race, one wave and one victory at a time.

Armed with determination, resilience and an unwavering passion for the sea, Aarti Verma, Sonia Barar and Srushti Barar are emerging as promising talents in Indian sailing. Their remarkable journeys stand as powerful reminders that talent knows no social or economic boundaries when opportunity meets perseverance.

Hailing from families of daily wage earners, these young athletes have overcome financial challenges and limited access to the sport to carve out a place for themselves on the national sailing circuit.

Aarti is the daughter of Brij Kishore, while Sonia and Srushti are daughters of Ram Kumar Barar and Brijendra Barar, respectively. For their families, sailing was once a distant and unfamiliar world. Today, it has become a source of immense pride and hope.

Their transformation has been made possible through the support and mentorship of the Corps of Engineers Sailing Club (CESC) at the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune. Through its talent identification and development programme, CESC recognised the girls’ potential at an early stage and provided them with professional coaching, access to world-class equipment and opportunities to compete at various levels.

What began as an opportunity soon evolved into a journey of discipline, hard work and sporting excellence.

Their achievements on the water speak volumes.

In 2026, Aarti Verma clinched the Gold Medal in the 420 Class at the India International Regatta in Chennai. She also secured a Silver Medal in the ILCA-6 Girls category at the YAI Youth National Sailing Championship in Mumbai, cementing her status as one of the country’s rising sailing stars.

Sonia Barar has showcased exceptional consistency, winning Gold Medals in the Optimist Class at both the YAI Youth National Sailing Championship in Mumbai in 2025 and the Secunderabad Sailing Championship the same year.

Meanwhile, Srushti Barar claimed the Gold Medal in the Optimist Green Fleet category at the CESC Regatta Nationals held at Pawna in 2025, signalling the arrival of another bright prospect in Indian sailing.

Their accomplishments represent more than podium finishes and medals. They highlight the transformative power of sport and the life-changing impact of institutions committed to nurturing talent regardless of social or economic background.

Through disciplined training, competitive exposure and unwavering determination, Aarti, Sonia and Srushti have demonstrated that excellence is not defined by circumstance but by commitment, courage and opportunity.

Though they are still at the beginning of their sporting journeys, the trio has already shown the potential to compete at the highest levels. As they continue to gain experience on national and international waters, they embody a new generation of Indian sailors ready to leave a lasting mark on the sport.

Their stories are not just about sailing; they are about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and inspiring countless young athletes to dream beyond the limitations of their circumstances.

For aspiring sportspersons across the country, these three young sailors serve as a beacon of possibility. For their families, they are a source of immense pride. And for Indian sailing, they represent a future filled with promise.

Their success also reflects the Indian Army’s broader commitment to expanding access to sports and creating pathways for talented youngsters from all sections of society.

As Aarti, Sonia and Srushti continue to navigate new horizons, one thing is certain: their journeys have only just begun, and the waves they are making today will inspire generations to come.