Karnataka face stiff challenge

Defending champions pin their hopes on Ganguly and Jedidah

With a handful of the established names graduating to a higher age-group, Karnataka will have their hopes pinned on the likes of Shoan Ganguly and Jedidah A when they begin their title defence at the 33rd National Sub-Junior Aquatic Championships here on Wednesday.

The sub-junior segment is the first of a double header at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre with the Junior events set to kick off on July 5.

Karnataka has barely had a strong hold in the sub-junior category with their arch-rivals Maharashtra dictating terms for a long time. But the trend somewhat looked like changing last year when a determined State-side -- led by Ganguly’s heroics -- snatched the title from the grasp of Maharashtra after an interval of 12 years.

Ganguly -- making his debut -- was a revelation last year, wrecking havoc at the national meet in Pune with his nippy strokes which ended with he being named the best swimmer in Group IV for his five gold medals and two national marks.

The 2016 season too has been no different for the boy from Dolphin Aquatics as he has continued his fine form. Ganguly was unstoppable in the individual medley, his pet event, at the State meet a few weeks back and his side will be hoping that he continues this run at the national stage too where he’ll be competing in the medley and butterfly races.

While Ganguly has established his credentials at the national stage with a superb show at the Pune meet, Jedidah will be keen emerge out of the shadow of her seniors in the girls’ segment.  Last season saw the Bengaluru girl settle for a handful of silver medals in the butterfly and the medley events at the nationals and that hasn’t seem to have satisfied her as she made her intensions for the upcoming season pretty clear, dishing out a commendable show at the State meet. Like Ganguly, Jedidah will feature in the butterfly and the medley events.

Like always, Maharashtra still continue to be the biggest challenge between Karnataka and their quest for glory. While the Maharashtra swimmers have found it difficult to match up to Karnataka’s standards in the junior and the senior level, it is the sub-junior category that has seen them dominate for years. And with the title slipping out of their grasp last season, revenge is sure to be on their mind when they hit the pool.

Though there has been an exodus of talent from Maharashtra, the most notable being Kalip Shetty -- who has shifted allegiance to Karnataka -- one who would not want to make the mistake of taking the them lightly.

Armaan Sikka has taken over the mantle from his seniors and will be leading Maharashtra’s charge in the boys’ segment, while in the girls’ it will be the likes of Aeka Chatra, Palak Dhami and Vediak Amin.

And with the likes of Bengal, Delhi and Gujarat expected to chip in with a handful of notable performances, the 33rd edition of the sub-junior championships is tipped to be an exciting affair.