Summary:
Bengaluru, Oct 18 (PTI) The junior and sub junior national aquatic championships will begin on Tuesday while the senior national meet is scheduled from next week, the Swimming Federation of India announced on Monday.
With swimming pools remaining closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the SFI was forced to cancel national aquatic championships in 2020.
However, over 1500 participants from across 32 states and union territories are expected to participate in the championships this year in Bangalore.
The sub junior and junior championships will be followed by the much-awaited 74th Senior National Aquatic Championships, starting October 26.
"We are absolutely thrilled that the National Championships is finally taking place after the pandemic disrupted swimming activities across India," SFI Secretary General Monal Chokshi said at the pre-event press conference.
"We had to ensure all the states have resumed swimming for competitive swimmers before we announced the dates for the Nationals and I am happy to state that all the member units were unanimous in their support to go ahead with the prestigious National Championships." The junior and sub junior championships will also serve as a selection trial for the SFI to name a 10-member team which will train and compete with the South African national swimming team in January.