Dear aficionados of Match Racing in India,

I am delighted that there are so many of you who are strong supporters and active participants in match racing events, and that illustrates the potential for advancement of that exciting part of sailing - Match Racing. However I have to ring the clarion bell about a major threat to MR in India.

For MR in India to retain its place in the International circuit, and even for it to retain its place in Mumbai as a Grade 3 Event, it is essential that India has at least one, and actually two International Umpires( IUs).

Yes MR can survive without that, but this will need extra funds from sponsors to bring in IUs from overseas, and having to incur all associated expenses on that.

There is of course the better (and cheaper) option- we must generate our own ( Indian ) IUs.

At the moment (and since the IU system started) there has been only one India IU- myself. I am now over 70 years old and getting close to where ISAF will stop renewing my IU license.

What we need is for the younger generation to pick up the baton and apply for and become IUs. I will be happy to give whatever advice as to the methods, the route. Come on guys it is your turn now. If you are interested in advancing MR for India, stand up and raise your hand.

The MRAI and I wait to hear from you.

Ajay Balram

Ajay Balram can be contacted at ajaybalram@yahoo.co.in.