Who became the first Asian woman to sail around the world, completing a historic solo circumnavigation voyage?

Introduction / Context:
Maritime exploration and solo sailing feats are significant milestones in adventure sports and human endurance. Questions like this test your knowledge of pioneering achievements by Asian women on the global stage, especially in areas where women have historically been underrepresented, such as solo long-distance sailing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the first Asian woman to sail around the world.
• The context is a historic circumnavigation voyage by sea.
• Options include Golda Meir, Ujwala Patil, Cleopatra, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
• We assume a standard GK background about famous political leaders and adventure-sport achievers.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, we must match each name with its known field. Golda Meir and Sirimavo Bandaranaike are famous political leaders. Cleopatra is a historic Egyptian queen from ancient times. Among the options, Ujwala Patil is known in the context of sailing and maritime adventure. Recognising the fields of the distractor options helps in isolating the correct personality linked to circumnavigation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Golda Meir as a former Prime Minister of Israel, primarily associated with politics, not solo sailing. Step 2: Recognise Cleopatra as an ancient Egyptian queen, again unrelated to modern world sailing records. Step 3: Recall Sirimavo Bandaranaike as the world's first woman Prime Minister, from Sri Lanka, associated with governance and politics. Step 4: Ujwala Patil is known for her achievement in sailing, being the first Asian woman to complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe in a yacht. Step 5: Therefore, Ujwala Patil is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you refer to records of notable sailing achievements, especially those involving Indian or Asian sailors, Ujwala Patil’s name appears as a pioneering female sailor from Asia who completed a world circumnavigation. In contrast, the other three options are widely documented for their political roles and historical leadership. This strong mismatch in domain reinforces that only Ujwala Patil fits the description of a solo world sailor.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Golda Meir: She was a major Israeli political leader and Prime Minister, with no connection to solo world sailing records. Cleopatra: A classical-era ruler of Egypt, famous for her political alliances and historical drama, not for any modern nautical achievement. Sirimavo Bandaranaike: The first woman Prime Minister in the world, from Sri Lanka, renowned for political milestones rather than adventure sports.

Common Pitfalls:
One common trap is to overthink and assume a lesser-known political name might also have an unrelated achievement. Another pitfall is unfamiliarity with adventure-sport records, which can cause candidates to guess blindly. To avoid this, read current affairs and sports news sections that highlight Indian and Asian “firsts” in various fields such as mountaineering, sailing, and aviation. Remember that exam-setters like to test such pioneering achievements, especially by women from Asia.

Final Answer:
The first Asian woman to sail around the world on a solo circumnavigation voyage was Ujwala Patil.