Swimming into history, Indian star Srihari Nataraj delivered a sensational performance at the World University Games, clocking 49.46 seconds in the men’s 100m freestyle — breaking the longstanding national record held by Virdhawal Khade since 2008.
A Record That Stood for 16 Years
Khade’s record of 49.47 seconds, set at the Beijing Olympics, had stood unchallenged for over a decade. Srihari Nataraj, already a backstroke specialist and Olympian, proved his versatile brilliance by rewriting history in freestyle.
His performance at the World University Games not only set a new national benchmark but also showcased his evolution as a complete swimmer capable of dominating multiple events.
A Landmark for Indian Swimming
The timing of 49.46 seconds places Srihari among the fastest swimmers in Asia and reaffirms his position as India’s most promising aquatic talent. It’s a critical boost for Indian swimming on the global stage, especially as Paris 2024 draws near.
The Swimming Federation of India (SFI), fellow athletes, and fans have flooded social media with tributes and excitement. The performance also adds momentum to India’s swimming ecosystem, encouraging young athletes to aim higher.
A Word from the Camp
Sources from his training camp credited this result to months of focused preparation and improvements in technique and endurance. Srihari’s performance is seen as a key stepping stone in his pursuit of Olympic qualification in freestyle events alongside backstroke.
Looking Ahead
With his name now etched into Indian swimming history once again, Srihari Nataraj’s eyes are set firmly on the world stage. As he continues to break records and cross new milestones, his journey remains a beacon of inspiration for India’s sporting youth.
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