Goa’sinternational windsurfer Katya Coelho features in a dedicated chapterof the newly introduced Class VIII Konkani textbook (Maand).Introduced by SCERT under the National Education Policy (NEP), thelesson chronicles her journey from learning the sport at age 11 tobecoming India's first female iQFoiler.
“Itis truly one of the greatest honours of my life. Winning medals isalways special, but becoming a part of a school textbook is somethingthat will inspire generations of students long after my competitivecareer. Knowing that young children in Goa will read about my journeyand hopefully believe that they too can achieve their dreams meansmore to me than any medal. I’m deeply grateful to the Government ofGoa and everyone who thought my story was worth sharing,” a visiblyexcited Katya told The Goan.
“Myparents were incredibly proud and emotional. They have sacrificed somuch throughout my sporting journey, so I think this recognitionmeant as much to them as it did to me. My family, friends, coachesand well-wishers were all overjoyed. I received countless messages ofcongratulations, and everyone felt proud that windsurfing, arelatively lesser-known sport, was being recognized in this way,”the champion windsurfer said.
Katyafurther added, “It is an incredible privilege and something I neverimagined growing up. It is extremely humbling. It reminds me thatsuccess isn’t only about winning competitions but also aboutleaving behind something meaningful that can inspire others. Thisrecognition motivates me to continue working harder and representingGoa and India with pride.”
Coelhomade history as only the second Goan sportsperson to have her lifestory included in the state curriculum, following football legendBrahmanand Sankhwalkar. The curriculum inclusion aims to inspireyoung Goan students by highlighting local sporting icons deeplyrooted in the region's coastal culture.
“Thechapter talks about my childhood growing up in Goa and my love forthe sea. It covers how I started sailing and windsurfing at a youngage, the challenges I faced, the importance of discipline,perseverance and hard work, and my journey representing Indiainternationally. It also highlights some of my major achievements,including qualifying for the Youth Olympics and Asian Games, winningnational and international medals, and encouraging young people tobelieve in themselves and pursue their dreams,” Katya said.
Katyastarted sailing when at the age of 11. Soon after, she developed apassion for windsurfing. Growing up by the sea in Goa naturally drewher towards water sports, and from then on, she knew this was whatshe wanted to pursue.
Amongher major achievements include becoming India’s first woman to winan international medal in the Olympic iQFoil class, winning medals atthe Asian championships and representing India at numerousinternational competitions across Europe and Asia including 2014Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China and 2018 Asian Games inJakarta, Indonesia. She has also won 21 National Gold medals for Goa.
Katyais currently preparing for the 2026 Asian Games to be held in Japanfrom 19 September – 4 October.
Shesaid, “Yes, that is my biggest goal. I am currently training andcompeting with the aim of qualifying and representing India at the2026 Asian Games in Japan. Every training session and everycompetition is focused on earning my place on the Indian team andgiving my best for the country.”
Whenasked what message she has for young athletes, Katya said, “Toevery young athlete dreaming of starting a journey in sports—believein yourself before anyone else does. You don’t have to be thestrongest or the fastest on day one. What matters most is showing upevery day, being willing to learn, and never giving up when thingsget tough. There will be days when you lose, feel tired, or questionyourself. Those moments don’t define you—how you respond to themdoes. Every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, andmore resilient.”
“Dreambig, work hard, respect your coaches and teammates, and enjoy everymoment of the process. Your journey is unique, so don’t compare itto anyone else’s. Stay patient, stay consistent, and remember thatevery champion was once a beginner who simply refused to quit.”
