'State swimming at cross roads'

Coaches Nihar, Pradeep point out to increasing competition

Amidst the celebrations and the joy that surrounded Karnataka’s hat-trick of triumphs, veteran coaches Nihar Ameen and Pradeep Kumar had a word of advice for the jubilant swimmers who made the State proud with their emphatic performances during the season.

“Karnataka swimming is at its cross roads,” said Nihar at a felicitation programme organised by the Karnataka Swimming Association (KSA) here on Sunday.

“Maharashtra has always been one for our closest rivals. But now even other teams have picked up. Gujarat is doing well, the Railways have some of the top men’s swimmers of the country with them, and now they are even looking at strengthening their women’s team. So I can tell you the journey from here on will be very difficult,” cautioned Nihar, who was honoured with the prestigious Dronacharya Award earlier this year.

Though the State side enjoyed a smooth sail at the Junior and the Sub-junior meet held in July, winning the titles by a considerable margin, their journey at the Senior Nationals was not as easy. After five days of intense competition, Karnataka eventually managed to pip their long standing rivals Maharashtra by just one point.

“We need to know our history. From winning titles by huge margins to snatching one by the skin of our teeth, things really don’t look that great today. Just because we have the best of facilities in the State cannot guarantee us the success, and the Rajkot meet (Senior National Championships) is a testimony to that,” he pointed out.

The national swimming coach Pradeep Kumar, whose association with the Karnataka swimming dates back to over two decades, also had a similar message to his wards.

“We have had a rich tradition and a culture of swimming in this State. This year has been really special. I am really proud of the efforts everyone has put in, be it the swimmers, their parents, the coaches and the support staff.

“But now it’s up to the parents and the swimmers to decide if we need to continue as champions or let go of the rich tradition,” said Kumar.

Throwing more light on the problems that has plagued Karnataka swimming, Pradeep said that the swimmers will have to continue with passion and determination if they have to get the best out of themselves.

“Even in the past, we have had great swimmers who won us medals at the national and the international level. But many of those swimmers are no where to be seen now. Some joined other associations, while others stopped swimming to pursue their academic profession.

“I have never stopped swimmer from concentrating on their academics, but I urge them not to use swimming as a means to achieve their academic goals,” he added.