No exercise for the body like swimming, suggests Udupi SP

Ajjarkadu pool to soon have roof and gallery, says DC

Superintendent of Police Annamalai has called swimming the best workout as it ensures exercise for the body overall.

The police official was speaking after inaugurating the 16th State Short Course Swimming Championship organised in town by the Karnataka Swimming Association, in association with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

“Children should develop an interest in swimming and also other sorts of physical activities. Swimming for about 45 minutes is equivalent to a two-kilometre walk, and helps immensely to burn calories,” explained the superintendent.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Vishal R said that the swimming pool at Ajjarkadu will have a gallery and also a roof shortly. “The Karnataka Swimming Association should come up with technical and financial assistance to develop the swimming pool,” he said.

The officer added that the swimming competitions would be conducted at Malpe beach too, and camps will be organised to equip children with the skill of safety while swimming at sea. He said that the initiative would be taken up by the Malpe Beach Development Authority.

As many as 400 boys and girls took part in the competition from across the State. Around 50 technical officers and volunteers have been deployed for the service. The competition is being conducted in four categories: Group 1, for contestants aged between 15 and 18 years; Group 2, for contestants aged between 13 and 14 years; Group 3 for contestants aged between 11 and 12 years; and Group 4, for contestants aged between 9 and 10 years.

There are a total of 188 events. The competition will use the Olympic touchpad timing system. In addition to the conventional gold, silver and bronze medals for the top three winners, there will be several other individual prizes that will be given away on the occasion. An overall team prize and a runners-up prize will be given.

The winners and runners up in the events will represent Karnataka in the forthcoming South Zone championship, which will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, from January 22 to 24.