The Gujarat Vidyapeeth Swimming Centre in Ahmedabad has been her home for the past five years, a period that has brought her name and fame.
Since taking the Indian swimming by storm in 2012 with her remarkable performances at the Sub-junior National meet, Gujarat’s Maana Patel has been one of the forces to reckon with on the National stage. She had won the gold in 50M freestyle and 50M backstroke then, breaking the national marks.“I have been enjoying swimming since the time I got into the pool,” said Maana on the sidelines of the 42nd Junior and 32nd Sub-Junior National Aquatics Championships here.
“But the past few years have been very different. It’s a good sign that my timings have been consistent. And now, I am among India’s best in a few events and that’s an encouraging sign. But I have to improve a lot,” said the 15-year-old who trains under Kamlesh Nanavati in Ahmedabad.
Coming from a State that does not boast of a pedigree in the sport, Maana’s achievements have made her the cynosure at the National meets. “Sometimes it is difficult when you come from a State that doesn’t have too many people to guide you in swimming. I have learned things with my own experience.
“But now, at meets like these, every time I hear my name being announced, it really feels great. I just hope that from ‘Maana Patel from Gujarat’, we’ll soon switch to ‘Maana Patel from India.’” said the 5’6’’ swimmer who is sponsored by the Gujarat Government, the Olympic Gold Quest and is also a part of Central Government’s TOP scheme.
Nanavati believes that Maana has a bright future. “She is definitely one of the best prospects for India. She takes her swimming very sincerely and the result is there for you to see. I think this girl is born to swim. Her movements, her body position is best for swimming. She is a genetically strong swimmer,” he said.
The Pune meet too has been no different for the Gujarat girl who dominated her races. Though the 50M freestyle tested her resilience, there was no stopping the Gujarat swimmer.“Yes, it was a close one (the 50M freestyle). But you have to be prepared for such races at the National level. And I was. It’s a great feeling (to win four gold medals). But I hope that I continue my good run and break more and more records,” said Maana who has 12 national records across age groups.
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