Political pride brings swim trials back: Maharashtra opens pool for elite swimmers

A swimmer at the Andheri Sports Complex in 2019. File pic

Swimmers from across the state waiting to participate in the National Aquatic Championship scheduled to be held in Bengaluru next month, finally have reason to celebrate. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has given permission to open a pool for the trials to be held from September 25-28. This time both senior and junior swimmers will be able to take part in the trials.

mid-day had highlighted through multiple reports how the state government's decision to not open up pools had shattered the dreams of swimmers willing to participate in the national championship. As pools were closed since the second wave hit the state, they couldn't practise for the competition.

A municipal swimming pool at Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak, Shivaji Park in Dadar. File pic

An official from the Swimming Association of Maharashtra (SAM) said, "We have been seeking permission for practice since June this year. When the nationals were announced in August, we again sought permission to at least hold the trials, but for a long time there was no word on it. Finally we received the permission and immediately released a notification for the trials."

The trials will be held at Tilak Tank Deccan Gymkhana, Pune. Senior and junior swimmers will take part in the trials on September 25 and 26, and for the sub-junior category it will be held on September 27 and 28.

"We are relieved as the state government considered our request and gave permission. When we got permission for fully vaccinated swimmers last week, we were trying for the juniors and sub-juniors as well," said Deepak Mejari, president of SAM.

"We got permission from the PMC on September 19. We had done all the arrangements in Gujarat, so arranging everything in Pune from scratch was a difficult task. However, considering the convenience of swimmers we decided to work on it. We asked those who had registered with us till September 23 to not travel to Gujarat, and finally we managed to arrange for the trials in Maharashtra itself," he added.

"We have received 200 entries for trials for the senior and junior categories, and 75 entries for the sub-junior group. Despite there being no provision for practise in the state for a long time, these numbers are satisfactory," said Neeta Talavlikar, secretary, SAM

Speaking to mid-day, swimming coach Amit Temkar said, "Finally there is some good news for swimmers, though it came late. Many of whom I was training will not be able to make it to the nationals due to lack of practice. Now let's hope whoever gets selected brings medals for the state."

"I am happy for all the swimmers who wouldn't have been able to go to Gujarat due to financial and other constraints. I am looking forward to the trials," said swimming champ, Virdhawal Khade.

200
No. of entries SAM received for senior/junior category trials

19 Sept
Day SAM got permission for the trials from PMC