Katya Coelho often repeats the two key words in every sportsperson’s diary – ‘discipline’ and ‘focus’. The ‘humble and grounded’ personality that she is, Katya can pass of as a modest young Goan woman until you happen to see her train at the gym in the morning to add muscle strength to her body, and ride the sea for hours together at Hawaii Beach in the evening to perfect her windfoiling skills in view of the Asian Games China 2022 six months away. Naturally disciplined and focussed via her upbringing in a quintessential Goan family atmosphere; Katya is a fantastic role model for girls with her historic achievement of being the first Indian woman windfoiler qualifying for two consecutive Asian Games, the National Champion on the field while off the field – she is warm and approachable having gone through the struggles that top Indian athletes experience.
Featuring in the premiere of International Women’s Day 2023 series of fascinating conversations with empowered women of Goa exclusively on @LiveNewsGoaTV, conceptualised by Cheree Tree Concepts and presented by Slipdisc.in; Katya has a glint of excitement in her eyes and thankfulness resonating in very expression through this unique chat show hosted by Rina Barreto Shankar.
“It is nice in a certain way, I can inspire people to take up fitness or to take up any kind of sport. I truly believe that even if I can inspire just 5 women to get into sports, that is my career made!,” says Katya, who holds the record of being the first Indian to win a silver medal in the Foil category at Pattaya International Championship 2022.
Continues Katya, her narration that summarises her parents’ advice to keep moving forward despite difficulties, saying: “That would be an achievement for me. That’s very rewarding…because I have faced the struggle of having to compete in the men’s category when I started out sailing (over a decade ago) as I was only female competitor at times. That was challenging (experience), but has made me a better sailor. (Nevertheless), I know that there could be more females out there doing what I am doing.”
With the Asian Games coming up later this year, Katya is building up her strength in pride of representing the country. “I want to do the best of my capabilities,” sound like a few words but a statement of great intent that one can only endeavour to trust the process.
Katya’s success story has been moulded to an extent by the sailing genes in the family as her father and coach Donald Coelho is a former national champion while elder brother Dayne is also a champion windfoiler, who represented India at the last Asian Games. But the natural support to her career comes from this coastal paradise of Goa, feels Katya.
“Honestly for me, being in Goa is a reason why I am where I am today. I spend majority of my time training in Goa. This (Baga beach) is my backyard you know. I always loved a beach, love the ocean. And that’s what Goa gives us you know. For me, the sea is my passion and my love,” reveals Katya, the strong bond with Goa.
So, how does Katya look at the future? Which qualities are enabling the 23-year-old to keep her feet on the ground despite success at an young age? On this significant day for global women, there is also a message going out from the young Indian sports icon, who is pride of Goa. Watch the full interview 👇here.
