Hailing from Goa, Katya Ida Coelho is the first and only Indian wind foiler to represent India at the Youth Olympics in 2014. She additionally represented India at the 2018 Asian Games. She won second place at the International Windsurfing Cup in Thailand in 2022. She is now all set to represent India again in the Asian Games 2023, which will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Asian Voice, Coelho talked about her journey in wind foiling, the challenges she faces in her career, and promoting sports in India.
AV: What inspired you to take up windsurfing at a young age? How did the early inception into the sport help your career, personal growth and well-being?
I have always been a water baby, I loved swimming from a very young age; in fact, I started swimming when I was around 3 years old. My father, Donald Coelho, a three-time national champion in windsurfing, introduced this sport to me and my brother. Since I can remember, sailing has been his passion. Seeing him sail and watching his competitions motivated me to take up the sport. I think that starting to play sports at the young age of 11 helped me develop as a person since it developed character and discipline. Early involvement in sports competitions shaped me into the person I am today. Additionally, it has helped me stay healthy and keep track of my diet over the years.
AV: Can you elaborate on the efforts you put into the promotion of windsurfing? Do you involve yourself in specific projects aimed at promoting the sport?
Though it has been difficult, I believe I can promote the sport in India with the right assistance. My father, his friend, and I now run an academy called Goa Beach Sports Academy, where my brother, Dayne Coelho (an Asian Games participant and multiple time national Champion), and I work as instructors during the summer, which is the perfect time to teach other people how to sail. On our own social media, we also promote the sport by showing what it's like to be a sailor.
AV: Have you observed any changes in the sport in itself and people's outlook towards it, over the years?
Yes, I have. Through my victories, I have observed that people are more curious to learn more about the sport. Many mothers ask about it for their daughters, which is significant given the low level of female engagement in this field in India. In the next few years, we might be able to see a good fleet from India.
AV: Periods surely must be a struggle for a woman involved in windsurfing. How do you deal with the whole situation, especially when you are competing?
I think most women have always experienced agony throughout their periods. It's incredibly bad for me and throws off my entire routine, but we simply have to get by with it and push through the discomfort.
AV: What are some challenges that you've faced in your career?
My main challenge in the sport is getting the right equipment to race with. Because it is difficult to get training abroad and to have two sets of equipment - one for training and one for competing (which all athletes in this sport have) - since the sport is not well-known and receives little financial support from sponsors or the government.
AV: How can women in sports facilitate changes in the mindset and therefore actions of the community?
I believe that a change is progressively taking place as a result of prominent Indian women making history, such as Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chandu, and Hima Das. The success of Indian sportswomen is gradually changing the perception of sports in India.
AV: What advice do you have for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Discover your passion and give it everything you've got to overcome the challenge. Finding one's genuine purpose in life is crucial because it gives your life meaning; whatever it may be, identify it and pursue it. Take up swimming as a sport if you're excellent at it, and if you enjoy creating stories, go for it. However, there is nothing more fulfilling than finding a purpose and putting your heart and soul into it.