Have to be cool-minded like MS Dhoni and do our job at Tokyo Olympics: Vishnu Saravanan

Vishnu Saravanan, India’s premier Laser Standard sailor, has stated that it’s important to stay cool-minded like former Indian cricket skipper MS Dhoni for tasting success in the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8.

Saravanan has Vishnu Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar (Skiff 49er), and Nethra Kumanan (Laser Radial) as his fellow sailors. Saravanan, a U-21 world championship bronze medallist and a national champion, said that there’s nothing to lose for the team, which is still on a learning curve.

Saravanan, who hails from a sailor’s family, put forth his opinions in a virtual media interaction, facilitated by the Sports Authority of India.

The whole nation has so much hope on us: Vishnu Saravanan

“I will be happy to finish in the top 50 per cent. There’s no pressure because we know we’re not there yet. We are young and have room to learn more. The whole nation has so much hope on us but we have to be cool-minded like MS Dhoni and do our job,” Saravanan stated.

Nethra, the first Indian woman to win a World Cup medal, also reckoned that they won’t be under pressure. “We will go to the Games without a lot of expectation. We will see where we stand against the world level. This will be a great learning process for us,” Nethra told.

Nethra, who’s the first Indian women to qualify for the Olympics, expressed pride in representing the nation in the Olympics. She also sounded confident about India’s future in Sailing.

“We were working very hard for this and right now, we are excited that finally the Olympic dream has been achieved. It’s a huge step and it’s brought a lot of light to the sport of Sailing and I hope many people take it up. I’m also honoured to be the first woman sailor from India to make it to the Olympics,” Nethra said.

As far as Dhoni is concerned, the 39-year-old is currently leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Yellow Army has won three out of their first four matches. Dhoni also remains one of the greatest captains India have ever produced.