World Water Day Special: In conversation with sailor Rohini Rau

"I won't lie, it has been a tough journey,” she confesses, speaking of making waves in what has essentially been a male domain so far. “I didn't realise it as a child, but I definitely realised it as I grew older and began pursuing a career as a sailor. I turned pro at 11, undeterred that sometimes I was the only girl sailing against men. I found it amusing when most men serving in the army and the navy felt angry when I beat them.”

Cut to 2014. Rau is a formidable bulwark in the nautical world, with 14 gold medals and five silver medals in national championships under her belt, together with two gold medals clinched at the Asian Games. Over the years she has represented India in many international events, including eight world championships.

“Early on, I wasn't sent for championships abroad as the Federation felt I had enough competition in India among the men. So unless I defeated the men, they weren't going to send me for any event.” Her hopes and aspirations begun crystallising soon enough as she won the gold medal at the Asian Sailing Championship with team mate Pallavi Naik, from Goa, in 2004. “When I heard the national anthem being played (as they were being felicitated), I knew that I wanted to have many more such moments in my life,” says Rohini candidly.

Ironically, her dogged determination too fetched the scorn of many, including decision-makers, especially as Rohini chose to pursue a parallel career in medicine alongside. “Most men in the Federation think that a woman will not take sailing as a sport seriously. They thought I would quit once I begin pursuing MBBS. I didn't.” It has been a herculean balancing act for Rau, bringing multiple awards home and nearing her MBBS completion (after having started it in 2004). “I have had to make tough choices...but I don't think those 'wise' men in the Federation have any idea how difficult those choices were for me.”  The gritty go-getter has been storming ahead, netting accolades galore. And they said she wouldn't win...

“I have seen and heard about many sports people in India who have represented the country and given their entire life for their sport. But eventually they either end up blaming the country, or are left feeling bitter when their career is over and they have nothing to fall back on. I did not want to be that person.”

Of course, she is quick to count her blessings in her wonderfully supportive family. “I have had an incredible backbone in my parents. No parent, but for my mom and dad, would have let me continue my sailing career almost at the cost of my studies, while trusting me enough to finish my degree. It has taken me 10 years to finish a 5 and 1/2 year course. They have spent so much money and sacrificed immensely for me, to help me realise my dreams. My parents are my biggest blessing without whom I wouldn't have come this far,” shares Rau.

Perhaps her soldiering ahead admirably will encourage an influx of more women sailors in the field. Yet Rau is apprehensive. “I think it will be many years in the future when we see more women sailors going pro. There is really no money in the sport and it is a very risky career to take. I was very clear from the beginning that sailing was not going to be my career and that I needed something else to keep me afloat.”

But there is much more than consistent perseverance and a spot of good luck to help an achiever shine. Rau believes strongly that everything happens for a reason. “No matter how good or bad a situation is, things have a way of working out. Also, I have never let success go to my head. Though I have been in the limelight since a very young age, I never thought it was something to gloat about. I always believe that there is someone out there who is better than me at something. What is more important, is being a fast learner. I adapt easily to new environments and love to travel. A combination of all these aspects has perhaps helped me to put in my best and survive, especially when I have spent long periods away from home.”

Meanwhile Rau is on a two-year, self-elected break from the sport. “I took time off to wrap up my MBBS. I might make a comeback at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, till then I'll just keep everyone guessing!” she smiles. Ahoy!

Read about other women who live, breathe and dream water:

Diver and marine conservationist Nayantara Jain http://dnai.in/cCvo

Under-14 Nationals swimming medalist Ariesa Mongia  http://dnai.in/cCvm

India's first female surfer Ishita Malaviya http://dnai.in/cCv5