For many a top swimmer in India, there is a strong connection with Bangalore. They flock the city from all over the country to get higher-level training. Indeed, the State capital is becoming the hot spot for swimming in the country.

The first and foremost would be one of India's top swimmers — Virdhawal Khade, who moved to Bangalore to train under Nihar Ameen at the KC Reddy Swim Centre last year. Delhi's ace Sandeep Sejwal frequents the city to train under Ameen. Apart from the duo, the likes of J Agnishwar (Tamil Nadu), Saurabh and Aditya Sangvekar (Maharashtra), Rishendu R, Fariha Zaman (Assam), Aarti Ghorpade, Krunal Bhosale (both Maharashtra), M M Venpa (TN) are trainees at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Club. The third big academy is PM Swimming Centre, which is also doing well.

Over the years, swimmers from Karnataka have dominated the scene, resulting in aspiring youngsters from other States opting to follow their methods at academies in this State.

"Our system is good and we are seeing results," said National coach Pradeep Kumar, who is also the chief coach at BAC. "The main aspect is good coaching. That is why many swimmers come to Bangalore."

Just what is it that makes the academies in Bangalore churn out quality swimmers? "There are a few reasons. Firstly, the facilities are there," said Pradeep. "It is not just scientific coaching but several other factors. There is support from parents and educational institutions, the swimmers themselves are dedicated. All these factors contribute to success. If any one fails, results will not come."

Added Ameen: "There are three full-fledged academies in Bangalore. We may perhaps not be able to find such setups in other parts of the country. In Mumbai, there are clubs but not such academies, where the coaching  given is highly developed.

"The coaches in these academies are updated with the latest coaching techniques in the world. Basically, we pay attention to detail and that makes a world of difference."

Interestingly, most of the swimmers who come to Bangalore from other states are in the Group I (below 17 years) and Group II (below 15) age groups. Swimmers in the sub-junior categories train in their respective states, perhaps an indication of Bangalore becoming a centre for learning advanced swimming.

"Just like one goes to specific colleges to take up specific or advanced courses, swimmers are coming here to learn the finer points of the sport," said Pradeep. "We update our coaching knowledge regularly and teach swimmers that. Now, parents and swimmers find that they can get better coaching here. To come to a stage where a swimmer performs at the National level is difficult. My club gives me the opportunity to update myself with the latest coaching techniques and the results come."

Ameen, who has coached senior swimmers at Fort Lauderdale in the United States, feels the knowledge he has gained is being put to good use now.

"I have brought back to India the coaching knowledge I have gained. However, we have to be current and have to keep tab of the changes happening in the swimming world. That we do. Ultimately, our swimmers benefit," he said.

"It is a huge compliment to Bangalore that so many swimmers are coming to get advanced training. I feel we are doing our bit to improve swimming standards in the country.

“We need to look at the bigger picture. We need to help talented swimmers who do not have good training facilities back home," Ameen stated.

Indeed, swimmers like the talented Fariha Zaman (Assam) do not have very good facilities back home. But with the good coaching and facilities here, she looks promising in the senior category in future too.

While the work being done by coaches at the swimming academies in Bangalore is praiseworthy, this has seen other states eating into Karnataka's medal haul at the National level. But in giving equal opportunities to talented swimmers and lifting the overall standards, Bangalore’s contribution has been commendable indeed.