Tag: Goa swimmer

Sports

Goa’s Shrungi Bandekar to Represent India at World University Games in Berlin

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – In a moment of immense pride for Goa and Indian swimming, Shrungi Bandekar, a talented swimmer and student at Jain University, Bengaluru, has been selected to represent India at the World University Games 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

Scheduled from July 16 to 27, the prestigious international event brings together the world’s top student-athletes. Shrungi will participate in three elite swimming events:

  • 400m Individual Medley
  • 200m Individual Medley
  • 200m Backstroke

Shrungi has earned her place on the global stage with consistent performances in national competitions. Most recently, she finished fourth in both the 400m and 200m IM at the 78th Senior National Aquatic Championships in Bhubaneswar, narrowly missing a podium finish by mere fractions of a second.

Despite the near-misses, her unwavering dedication and technical strength were enough to secure her a place in India’s contingent for Berlin. Her coaches and peers regard her as a swimmer of rare versatility and determination.

Beyond statistics, Shrungi’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and passion for the sport. With the eyes of the nation on her, she’s not only carrying Goa’s hopes but also representing the growing strength of women in Indian aquatics.

The World University Games will feature fierce competition, but with her talent and mindset, Shrungi is well-poised to turn heads and inspire many back home.

As she prepares to dive into international waters, Goa and India are right behind her — cheering her on every stroke of the way.

Sports

Goa’s Arunima Bose Crosses English Channel with Indian Relay Team

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In an incredible display of endurance and determination, Arunima Bose, a swimmer and coach from Panaji, Goa, has successfully crossed the English Channel as part of a five-member Indian relay team named SwimLife Arrows.

The team completed the iconic 34-kilometre stretch from Dover (England) to Cap-Gris-Nez (France) in 15 hours and 58 minutes, braving freezing temperatures, strong tides, and unpredictable sea conditions.

The other members of the team included Avinash Thadani, Kiran Rajagopal, Madhur Gopal, and Yajna Somayaji. Together, the five swimmers conquered one of the world’s most demanding open water challenges, which also happens to be part of the prestigious Seven Oceans Challenge. This year’s swim also marked the 125th anniversary of the first solo English Channel swim by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875.

Arunima is more than just a swimmer. She is an Expressive Art Therapist and the lead coach at the Goa Open Water Swimming Club (GOWSC). She trains aspiring sea swimmers from across India and has helped grow a community of open water athletes.

“I’ve been swimming since I was a child,” says Arunima. “But being in Goa motivated me to explore the sea and open water challenges.” While the physical training was intense—consisting of swim drills and gym sessions—Arunima says that cold-water preparation was the real challenge. She regularly practiced ice bath immersions and strengthened her mental resilience through meditation and visualisation.

This achievement not only highlights Arunima’s personal determination but also places Goa and India on the map in the international open water swimming community.

With this milestone, Arunima Bose proves that with preparation, purpose, and passion, no ocean is too vast to conquer.