HYDERABAD: You normally don't expect a sailor suffering from Parkinson's disease to be at the scene of action on the lake. But this does not apply to Arjuna Awardee C.S. Pradipak.

At 61, this outstanding sailor from Hyderabad, still heads the jury at the ongoing Laser Nationals at the Hussainsagar Lake.

His spirit is indefatigable and he never shies away from responsibility.

The World Masters gold, Asian Games bronze and Asian regatta gold are some of his biggest achievements, which also brought recognition to Indian sailing.

Different attitude

He ventured into the sport, when not many dared because of lack of support on many fronts. After becoming a qualified pilot, Pradipak sold his rifle to buy a sailing boat in 1978 for Rs. 14,000 to take up water sports; that is the attitude that separates Pradipak from the rest.

A fighter to the core, he is struggling to come to grips with Parkinson's disease. But that has not deterred him from coming to the lake every morning punctually, like a schoolboy attending classes.

He is an extraordinary sportsman whose skills in communication are as exceptional as his brilliance in sailing was during his heyday.

He still rues the chance he missed to represent India in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, as the National Federation did not communicate with him properly though he was the National champion then.

No-nonsense approach

A highly-respected gentleman in the sporting circles and known for his no-nonsense approach to different aspects of life, Pradipak wants better facilities for the young sailors. "You can't have such a wonderful lake like this (setting aside the alarming pollution level). But to lure more youngsters to the sport, you need to assure them of a decent job," said Pradipak. "The need of the hour is to have private, open sailing clubs. "

Life has not changed much for this genial person despite his failing health. "It feels the same as the first day I went into the water," said Pradipak who stopped competitive sailing just five years ago.

"Sport has given me so much and I have no regrets, except of course not spending enough time with my family members — for I was always sailing," said the Arjuna Awardee.

For him, any assignment related to sailing is always exciting because Pradipak belongs to a rare breed that dared to excel defying the system.

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