New Delhi : The Indian swimming contingent for the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, has been finalized, with Tokyo Olympians Srihari Nataraj, Sajan Prakash, and Maana Patel at the forefront. The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) selected a total of 21 swimmers, including 12 men and nine women, based on their performances at the National Aquatic Championship 2023 held in Hyderabad earlier this month. The Asian Games, scheduled from September 23 to October 8, will mark the return of Indian women’s participation in swimming events after 17 years.
The SFI’s selection of the swimming squad reflects the emerging talent and outstanding achievements of young Indian swimmers. Rising stars Aryan Nehra and Lineysha AK, who shattered several national records at the national championships, have earned their place in India’s swimming contingent. Nehra will compete in the men’s freestyle and medley events, while Lineysha AK will feature in the women’s breaststroke competitions.
Sajan Prakash, known for his proficiency in butterfly events, is expected to showcase his skills once again at the Asian Games. Meanwhile, Srihari Nataraj and Maana Patel will primarily participate in backstroke events. Patel recently set a new national record in the 100 meter backstroke at the national championships, further establishing her as a force to be reckoned with.
The squad also includes seasoned swimmers Siva Sridhar and Virdhawal Khade, who won a bronze medal in the 50meter butterfly event at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. Additionally, national record holder Nina Venkatesh in the women’s 50m and 100m butterfly events and 13-year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu, who set a national record in the 200m freestyle at the national championships, will add depth to the Indian swimming team.
It is worth noting that swimming has been a part of the Asian Games programme since its inaugural edition in New Delhi in 1951. Indian swimmers have had success over the years, winning two silver and six bronze medals. However, a gold medal has remained elusive for Indian swimmers in the Asian Games’ 70-year history.
In addition to the swimming squad, the federation also announced a 13-member team for men’s water polo and two divers, Siddharth Bajrang Pardeshi and Heman London Singh, who will represent India in diving events at the Asian Games.
The Indian swimming contingent is ready to make a splash at the Asian Games, showcasing their skills and determination on the grand stage. With a blend of experienced Olympians and promising young talents, Indian fans eagerly await the performances of their swimming heroes, hoping for a breakthrough and a historic gold medal in the sport that has captivated the nation for decades.
The confirmed Indian swimming squad for the Asian Games 2023 is as follows:
Men: Aneesh Gowda, Advait Page, Aryan Nehra, Anand AS, Kushagra Rawat, Likith SP, Sajan Prakash, Srihari Nataraj, Tanish George Mathew, Utkarsh Patil, Vishal Grewal, and Virdhawal Khade.
Women: Anannya Nayak, Dinidhi Desinghu, Hashika Ramchandran, Lineysha AK, Maana Patel, Nina Venkatesh, Palak Joshi, Shivangi Sarma, and Vritti Agarwal
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