Asian Games 2026: Nethra Kumanan Wins Bronze as Sailing Adds Three Medals for India
Nethra Kumanan won bronze in women’s dinghy at her fourth Asian Games, while Harshita Tomar and Shital Verma were upgraded to bronze in the women’s skiff event.
The Nethra Kumanan Asian Games bronze medal finally ended the Indian sailor’s long wait for a podium finish at the continental event. The 29-year-old Chennai-based sailor secured bronze in the women’s dinghy competition on Friday, adding to India’s medal tally at the Asian Games.
Kumanan finished with 14 points overall, collecting seven points during qualification and another seven across the two final races. Thailand’s Sophia Montgomery won gold with five points, while Singapore’s Jania Ang took silver with 13.
Nethra Kumanan Finally Gets Asian Games Medal
This was Kumanan’s fourth Asian Games appearance. The two-time Olympian had previously competed at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions, finishing fourth twice.
In sailing, competitors receive points based on their finishing positions, with lower scores considered better. Kumanan finished sixth in one of the two final races but responded by winning the other, giving her enough points to secure third place.
The medal marks an important milestone for the sailor after years of competing at the continental level.
India narrowly missed another podium finish in the men’s event. Vishnu Saravanan finished second in both final races but ended fourth overall with 21 points because of his qualification score.
Harshita Tomar and Shital Verma Upgraded to Bronze
India added another sailing medal after Harshita Tomar and Shital Verma were upgraded to bronze in the women’s skiff event.
The Indian pair had initially finished fourth, but China’s team was later disqualified under Rule 30.3 of the sailing regulations, commonly known as the U Flag rule.
The rule applies when a boat enters the restricted triangular area near the starting line during the final minute before the start. A violation results in disqualification without a hearing.
With China’s disqualification, Tomar and Verma moved into third place, giving India another bronze medal.
India’s Sailing Medal Tally Grows
The three medals from sailing underline India’s strong showing in the sport at the Asian Games. Kumanan’s individual podium finish, combined with the upgraded medal for Tomar and Verma, adds valuable momentum to India’s campaign.
