Indian Navy officer sets sail for global circumnavigation race
New Delhi, July 1: Commander Abhilash Tomy of the Indian Navy, who has solo circumnavigation of the globe to his credit, set sail on a unique voyage on Sunday as the only invitee from Asia to participate in the Golden Globe Race (GGR).
It is the first time that India is participating in the race which commenced from Les Sables d'Olonne harbour in France and is expected to complete at the same location in April 2019.
According to an official statement from the Indian Navy, the participants are required to sail around the world, single-handed and non-stop.
"The uniqueness of the race is that boat designs and technology newer than 1968 is not permitted, hence use of Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite communication, navigational aids, etc is forbidden," the statement said.
The GGR is being conducted by Sir Robin Knox Johnston of UK to commemorate 50 years since the world's first solo non-stop circumnavigation was undertaken by him in 1968 on-board the Indian built boat, Suhaili.
One of India's most prominent sailors, Cdr Tomy will be sailing on the indigenously built sailing vessel 'Thuriya' which is a replica of Suhaili.
"The boat showcases India's boat building capability on the world forum and promotes the 'Make in India' initiative," the statement said.
Cdr Tomy has covered 53,000 nautical miles under sail, including a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 2012-13 on-board Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei.
He is also a recipient of the Kirti Chakra, MacGregor and Tenzing Norgay awards.
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India beat SA by 135 runs in 4th T20I, clinch series 3-1
Johannesburg, Nov 15: India beat South Africa by 135 runs in the fourth and final T20 International to clinch series 3-1 here on Friday.
Opting to bat, India posted a massive 283 for 1, thanks to unbeaten centuries from Tilak Varma (120 not out off 47 balls) and Sanju Samson (109 not out off 56 balls), and then bowled South Africa out for 148 in 18.2 overs.
Tristan Stubbs top-scored for South Africa with 46 while David Miller contributed 36.
For India, pacer Arshdeep Singh was the most successful bowler with figures of 3/20 while Varun Chakravarthy (2/42) and Axar Patel (2/6) got two wickets each.
Hardik Pandya, Ramandeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi got a wicket each.
Brief Scores:
India: 283 for 1 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 109 not out, Tilak Varma 120 not out; Lutho Sipamla 1/58).
South Africa: 148 all out in 18.2 overs (Tristan Stubbs 46, David Miller 36; Arshdeep Singh 3/20).
