Virdhawal Khade ,from Khar Gymkhana, a former national record holder in 50m, 100 and 200m freestyle events, has been outstanding swimmer for the country, having represented in Asian Games (2018) and Commonwealth Games (2008) in competitions for over a decade and that he showed in ample measures that he is still cut above the rest while clinching double golds in the 37th Otters Club’s Open Swim Gala, held at their Club’s swimming pool yesterday. He triumphed in the 50m Free Style (00:25.78 secs) as well as 50m Breast stroke(00: 34.03 secs) events, leaving the rest of the field high and dry. Incidentally, Virdhawal was awarded Arjun Award in 2011.
Virdhawal Khade
While the corresponding events in the women’s section was dominated by Himanta Barbara ,of RFC, striking golds in the 50m Free Style and 50m Breast strokes comprehensively.
In the boys under-11 section, Rivan Kolahi ,of MGMO swept the pool with four golds and two silvers While Heeva Patel of Bombay YMCA , with three golds and two silver took the honours in the girls category.
The following were the age group champions:
GIRLS: Under-11: Heeva Patel (YMCA) – 3 golds+2 silvers. Under-9: Pratyasha Guchhait (IIT, Bombay) – 4 golds+1 bronze. Under-7: Pahel Shah (CSMSS) – 4 golds.
BOYS: Under-11: Rivan Kolahi (MGMO)- 4 golds+2 silvers. Under-9: Daksh Shah (Ozone) -2 golds+2 silvers +1 bronze. 1 bronze. Under-7: Shaurya Agnihotri (CSMSS)- 3 golds + 1 silver.
The organizers of this two-day event, received huge response from both city and suburbs clubs in various age groups, they got a boosted with the active support of sponsors of Mansons Foundations. , a non-government organization having mission to provide basic sports facilities, which include healthcare and educational facilities to the marginalized section of the Society.