HYDERABAD: The Yacht Club of Hyderabad has been shortlisted for the 2026 World Sailing Impact Award, placing the city-based non-profit among just four organisations worldwide recognised for using sailing to drive community development.The other shortlisted organisations are from South Africa, the US and Germany. The award recognises organisations for their community outreach, particularly initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged sections.Voting is open until Nov 2, with the Yacht Club of Hyderabad seeking public support to become the first Indian organisation to win the honour.The winner will be announced on Nov 18 in Qingdao, China, where the club’s founder, Suheim Sheikh, has also been invited to address the Development Forum at the World Sailing Annual Conference.“This is the first time in the history of Indian sailing that an Indian organisation has been shortlisted for a World Sailing Impact Award.This recognition is not just about the club, but about the children, their journeys and the opportunities we have been able to create for them. We want people to support us by voting,” said Sheikh.Adding to the club’s campaign, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle appealed to people in Hyderabad to support it. In a post on X, he commended the club’s work and urged people to help it become the first Indian institution to receive the global honour.“What they have done with getting underprivileged youth into sailing is absolutely extraordinary,” he wrote.Former international cricketer VVS Laxman also endorsed the club’s efforts, highlighting how Sheikh and his team have spent 18 years transforming young lives through sailing.“Their work is truly inspiring and now they are shortlisted for the World Sailing Impact Award 2026. Please join me in helping them make history for India,” he said.Over the years, the club has trained 3,000 children, produced 96 national champions and enabled 178 international participations.“At any given time, we train 100 young sailors, providing them with equipment, nutrition and educational support without charging them,” said Sheikh.He said children from economically weaker backgrounds often miss out on sports such as sailing because of the high costs involved, despite having the talent.“We aim to develop a model that can be replicated across India and internationally, ensuring children are not denied opportunities because of their financial background,” he added.Founded in 2009 by Sheikh, who gave up his career in software to pursue the initiative, the club has been using sailing as a means to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
