Srihari Nataraj, Sajan Prakash, and Maana Patel are the prominent names in India's swimming team announced by The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) for the Asian Games 2023.
The Indian contingent comprises of 12 men and nine women. The selection was based on the swimmers' performances at the National Aquatic Championship 2023 held in Hyderabad earlier this month. Notably, this will be the first time since Doha 2006 that Indian women will participate in swimming events at the Asian Games.
The federation also revealed a 13-member squad for men's water polo and two divers, Siddharth Bajrang Pardeshi and Heman London Singh.
Young Indian swimmers Aryan Nehra and Lineysha AK have secured their spots in India's swimming squad for the Asian Games. Nehra will compete in the men's freestyle and medley events, while Lineysha will showcase her skills in women's breaststroke competitions. Both athletes made waves at the national championships by breaking several national records, earning their well-deserved selection.
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Sajan Prakash, a prominent swimmer, is expected to shine in his preferred butterfly events at the Asian Games. Srihari Nataraj and Maana Patel, on the other hand, will predominantly feature in the backstroke events. Earlier this season, Patel set a new national record in the 100m backstroke during the national championships, demonstrating her exceptional talent.
The squad also includes experienced swimmers Siva Sridhar and Virdhawal Khade, who previously won a bronze medal in the 50m butterfly event at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Nina Venkatesh, the national record holder in the women's 50m and 100m butterfly events, will bring her experience and skills to the Asian Games. Additionally, 13-year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu, who set a national record in the 200m freestyle at the national championships, will try to make a mark representing India.
How have India fared in swimming at the Asian Games over the years?
Sachin Nag bagged a gold medal for India in the 100m freestyle event at the very first Asian Games, which were held in New Delhi in 1951.
Since Nag's triumph, Indian swimmers have added to the medal tally with two silver and six bronze medals.
What is the Indian swimming squad for Asian Games 2023?
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.