How did Nethra Kumanan perform at Tokyo Olympics? A detailed look at the Indian sailor's performance at the previous Olympic Games

Indian sailor Nethra Kumanan participated in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. She also has the distinction of the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympics in sailing directly. Additionally, her journey to the 2020 Olympics was marked by her exceptional performance at the Olympic qualifier event, where she also became the first Asian sailor to get a berth at the mega quadrennial event.

Taking part in her maiden Olympics, Nethra competed in the women’s laser radial class. She finished 37th and 38th in the ninth and 10th races, respectively. She secured an overall position of 35th out of 44 participants, with her best finish being 15th in the third race.

Unfortunately, she missed out on advancing to the medal round in Tokyo. Notably, only the top 10 competitors proceed to the medal round. The Indian sailor accumulated 251 net points, while also recording a best finish of 15th in the third of 10 qualifying races in the event.

The 26-year-old, hailing from Tamil Nadu, took part in what is popularly known as Laser Radial Sailing. She recently secured a place in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics following her stunning performance at an Olympic qualifier at the Last Chance Regatta, in Hyeres, France on April 26, 2024. She has claimed the quota under the Emerging Nations Programme.

---

A look at Nethra Kumanan's achievements for India

Nethra Kumanan has proudly represented India at many prestigious events. She created history in January 2020 by becoming the first Indian woman to clinch a bronze medal at the Hempel Sailing World Cup Series held in Miami, USA.

Kumanan has so far won over 20 awards from both national and international sailing championships. She has represented India at the Asian Games, securing seventh place in South Korea in 2014 and fifth place in Jakarta in 2018.