Srihari Nataraj Dominates Nettakallappa Swimming Competition

The Nettakallappa Swimming Competition concluded on March 10, 2024, at the Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre in Bengaluru, with swimmer Srihari Nataraj delivering an outstanding performance. He secured three gold medals, culminating in a thrilling victory in the men’s SKINS 50m freestyle event. Nataraj clocked a remarkable time of 23.26 seconds, outpacing fellow competitors Akash Mani and Chinthan S Shetty, who finished with times of 23.47 seconds and 24.52 seconds, respectively.

Prior to the final race, Nataraj, Mani, and Shetty had already each won two gold medals and one silver, setting the stage for an exciting finale. The competition showcased not only the talents of these swimmers but also the depth of skill present in the event.

In the women’s SKINS 50m freestyle race, Dhinidhi Desinghu emerged victorious, finishing with a time of 27.12 seconds. She outpaced her Dolphin Aquatics teammate Nina Venkatesh, who secured the silver medal with a time of 27.57 seconds. Vihitha Nayana from Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre claimed bronze, finishing in 27.66 seconds. Desinghu’s performance is particularly noteworthy as she was the youngest Olympian at the Paris Games last year. She shared the Most Valuable Swimmer (MVS) award with Trisha S Sindhu from Lakshyan Academy of Sports, both having won four gold medals.

Former national head coach Pradeep Kumar praised the initiatives at the Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre, highlighting their role in nurturing young talent in swimming.

The competition featured various categories, with notable results in both senior and junior groups. In the senior men’s 100m freestyle, Akash Mani took first place, finishing in 52.16 seconds, followed by Chinthan S Shetty and Dhoneesh N. The 100m breaststroke was won by Vidith S Shankar of Dolphin Aquatics, who clocked 1:06.34.

For the junior categories, Dhakshan S from BAC showcased his prowess in the 100m freestyle, finishing in 53.73 seconds, while Vishagan Saravanan won the 100m breaststroke in 1:07.65.

The event also included a variety of medley races, with impressive performances across all age groups. In Group II, Trisha S Sindhu dominated the 100m medley with a time of 1:09.96, showcasing her versatility in the pool.

The competition not only highlighted individual achievements but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie among the participants. As swimmers from various clubs competed fiercely, the event underscored the growing popularity of swimming in India, especially among youth.

Overall, the fourth Nettakallappa Swimming Competition served as a testament to the dedication and talent of the swimmers, promising an exciting future for the sport in the region.