‘Don’t let our dreams sink’: Maharashtra swimmers unable to train for upcoming nationals as pools are shut

Kalidas swimming pool at Mulund, which has been shut like other pools across the state

Swimmers' dreams to represent Maharashtra in the upcoming Senior National Aquatic Championship could remain just that this year. Due to the Covid-19 regulations on swimming pools, the state's swimmers, who have been lacking practice, will not be able to participate in the upcoming National Aquatic Championship 2021 at Bengaluru in October. Swimming pools across Maharashtra are closed for more than one-and- a-half years.

Coaches and swimmers said they will miss their chance if there are no selection trials for the nationals, and more importantly, if competitors cannot practice. They claim letters, tweets and meetings to the authorities regarding this issue have remained inconclusive. During Mission Break the chain, all sporting activities were allowed except for swimming. Many swimming associations had asked for some relaxations from the restrictions, but government officials did not pay heed to their demands.

Virdhawal Khade, swimming champ

Recently, the Swimming Association of Maharashtra wrote a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urging him to permit use of swimming pools in the state, at least for training for the competition. The junior and sub-junior national aquatic championship will be held on October 15, and the senior championship will be held from October 26 to 29 in Bengaluru. It will be followed by the Fina Swimming World Championship 2022 at Japan, the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and The England and Asian Games 2022. If swimmers are not allowed to practice, it will be difficult for them to qualify for these championships.

Champ urges govt to listen

Virdhawal Khade, Arjuna awardee and international-level swimmer said, "Due to these restrictions, me and my wife relocated to Baroda, Gujrat for training. My wife Rujuta is preparing for the upcoming nationals, and I am preparing for the world championship. We have resources and have been managing it, what about others? A five months gap in training can push back any swimmer for one year. I fear Maharashtra will not have the best of performances or will even manage to participate with its full strength and practice this year". Virdhawal urged the Maharashtra government to consider opening up pools in the state as it is less than 8 weeks for the nationals. The Swimming Association of Maharashtra and other associations across the state have met various authorities in the government to seek permission for at least competitive swimmers.

The municipal swimming pool at the Swatantraveer Smarak at Shivaji Park is one of the public pools that is closed since 2020. Private pools are open but they are unaffordable to swimmers. File pic/Ashish Raje

Kusal Roy, president of the Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA) said, "After the first Covid-19 wave, swimming pools were allowed to operate with strict rules and regulations, but it hasn't happened after the second wave. We are running from pillar-to-post to get relaxation from government authorities, but we haven't got success in the past five months. There will not be any time for training and we may lose our chance to participate in the nationals."

Neeta Talvilkar, honorary general secretary of Swimming Association of Maharashtra said, "We understand the pandemic situation, but permission for competitive swimmers can be granted for time being. It's been more than a year that swimmers haven't had practice. If we get permission to open pools, it can allow us to have trials to select players to represent the state". When asked about the response from the government over the repeated reminders, she replied, "There is absolutely no response from authorities. We are ready to follow any SOP. There has to be a way, or else these restrictions will kill competitive swimming in Maharashtra for a long time".

Omkar Samant, 12, is one of the swimmers who can't prepare for the nationals

"I was planning to prepare my 12-year-old son for the upcoming nationals, but since March 2020 the pools are closed. Private pools are open, but are not affordable for practice. Now he can't be trained for nationals. This decision will cost the state many a budding talent in swimming," said Vikram Samant, a parent.

What WHO says

According to the World Health Organization, the Covid-19 virus is not transmitted through water while swimming. The virus spreads between people when someone has close contact with an infected person. Avoiding crowds and maintaining at least a 1 metre distance from others, even while swimming or in areas surrounding swimming pools can be safe.

Oct 26
When Senior National Aquatic Championship will be held