Two-time Olympian Srihari Nataraj delivered a standout performance on Day 2 of the World University Games, improving his national best in the men’s 200m freestyle to secure a semifinal berth. Meanwhile, Indian women’s table tennis team bounced back with a strong win over the Netherlands, but the mixed badminton team fell short against a resilient Hong Kong side.

Nataraj clocked 1:48.22 in the heats, surpassing his previous best of 1:48.66 set at the Singapore National Swimming Championships last month. The 24-year-old from Bengaluru topped his heat and qualified fifth overall for the semifinals, scheduled later on Friday. However, compatriot Aneesh Gowda couldn’t progress, finishing fifth in his heat with a time of 1:52.42.

? Making Waves in Berlin! ???

India’s swimming sensation Srihari Nataraj clocks the Best Indian Time in the men’s 200m freestyle at the 2025 FISU World University Games, timing 1:48.22s in the heats! ?‍♂️

✅ Topped Heat 5
✅ Bettered his own record (1:48.66s)
✅ 5th fastest… pic.twitter.com/FRqwAmxhJX