National Aquatic Championship 2024 set to begin in Mangaluru

The 77th Senior National Aquatic Championships 2024 is set to begin in Mangaluru tomorrow, with the four-day event featuring top swimmers from across the country. 

Mangaluru will host the Aquatic C'ships for the first time at the International Aquatic Complex, Yemmekere, a state-of-the-art facility. 

Karnataka are the defending champions and will look to retain their title by winning this year's edition, with the added advantage of home conditions. 

The event is set to go on from September 10-14 and will feature more than 500 swimmers from across 31 states. 

This event is classed as the 'A' Qualification mark for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the Indian swimmers are well aware of the fact that a good showing here would go a long way. 

All eyes will be on Srihari Natraj, a two-time Olympian and national record holder in 50, 100, and 200m backstroke, who will be competing on his home turf. 

In a press release by the Swimming Federation of India, Natraj was quoted saying "I am looking forward to being in my best form and I will be vying for Gold in all my events and make use of home advantage."

Srihari Natraj had a decent outing at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, where he was able to participate thanks to the universality quota. 

He also talked about the importance of the event and the opportunities it presents, stating, "This is a great opportunity for swimmers in India to showcase their potential and garner more support for swimming in this country."

Other prominent swimmers who will be competing include Aneesh Gowda, national record holder and freestyle specialist, Siva S, Pruthvi, Rishabh Das, Sonu Debnath, and more.

Harshita Jayaram, Manavi Verma, Pratishta Dangi, Antika Chavan, and more such prominent swimmers will take part in the competition from the women's side as well.