JOIN USWith the federation strictly adhering to the qualifying norms (sixth-place time in the last edition of the Asian Games), only a handful of swimmers could make it to the squad for the November 12-27 Guangzhou meet.
Surprisingly, none of the country’s top women swimmers made the grade. “None of the women swimmers could match the qualifying timings set for the Games,” said national coach Pradeep Kumar.
The men’s section, however, has no surprises with all the top swimmers, including Olympians Poncha, Virdhawal Khade and Sandeep Sejwal, sealing their berths. “The men will compete in their main events, apart from the relays,” Pradeep added.
The swimming competitions, to be held from November 13 to 18, offer 38 gold medals. The squad, which is undergoing a preparatory camp at the Sports Authority of India South Centre here, will leave for the mega event on November 9.
The team: Sandeep Sejwal (50, 100 & 200 breaststroke), Rehan Poncha (200 butterfly, 200 & 400 individual medley), Virdhawal Khade (50, 100 freestyle, 50, 100 fly), Aaron D’Souza (100, 200 & 400 freestyle), Rohit R Havaldar (100 & 200 backstroke), MB Balakrishnan (50 & 100 backstroke), Mandar A Divase (800 & 1500 freestyle), Arjun JP (relays), Anshul Kothari (relays).