TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: The 30th Sub-Junior National Aquatic championship will be organized by Goa Swimming Association (GSA) under the auspices of Swimming Federation of India (SFI) from June 20 to 23 at SAG swimming complex, Campal.
“A total of 27 States/units of SFI including 350 boys and 275 girls will be participating in the championship. The SFI has invited 70 top referees and technical officials across the country to conduct the event,” informed Digambar Kamat, president, SFI and GSA at a press conference at DSYA hall, Panjim, Wednesday.
Kamat feels that Goa can compete with the other States as their performance has improved in the last decade. “Goa’s performance has improved over the years. We had Talasha Prabhu, who made it to the India team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi and we can expect more talented athletes from Goa to represent India. However, this sport needs devotion and time which very few athletes hold, which is the main concern not only in Goa but also across the country,” explained Kamat, former chief minister.
The swimming championship will be held for the sub-junior age group III (nine to 10 years) and group IV (11 to 12 years) while the diving event will be held for sub-junior group III and junior age groups I and II with around 100 participants.
“The swimming heats will start at 7.30 a.m. and will go on till 11 a.m. on June 21 while diving will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. The finals of both the categories will be conducted in the evening session from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. till June 23,” said Virendra Nanavati, CEO, SFI.
Several top swimmers are expected to compete including D Adithya from Tamil Nadu who was the champion in boys group IV with three gold medals in the previous edition which was held in Rajkot, Gujarat. Vannia Kapoor Achutham from Karnataka, who had topped the girls group IV at Rajkot with five gold medals will also take part.
“Goa will field 23 boys and girls in swimming and five boys and girls in diving which includes ace diver Genevie D’Costa,” stated Sudesh Nagvenkar, secretary, GSA.
Sports Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar will inaugurate the championship on June 20 at 4.30 p.m.
Kamlesh Nanavati, secretary, SFI and Adv Vinay Borcar, vice-president, GSA were among those present at the briefing.