The Hindu : Sport / Olympic Games : Khade upbeat about his chances

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Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008
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Sport - Olympic Games

Khade upbeat about his chances

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Virdhawal Khade showing no signs of jet lag, resumed his practice at the K.C. Reddy Swim Centre a few hours after returning from the U.S.

The Beijing-bound swimmer, who recorded some of his best personal and National record times in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle at the FINA World Youth Games held at Monterry, Mexico recently, was pleased with his show.

“It was a good meet and I was able to improve on all my times, though the 50m freestyle final did not go my way,” Khade told The Hindu.

About his goal at the Olympics he said, “having done 22.69, I hope to cut it down further and make it to the semifinals.”

Nihar Ameen, who groomed Khade, hailed his ward’s breakthrough effort at Monterry. “He has done phenomenally well. When a swimmer clips two seconds from the Olympic qualifying mark and the existing meet record it is a great effort,” Nihar Ameen said.

Creating a buzz

“He created a buzz, and for the first time an Indian swimmer’s exploits were posted on a Brazilian website and offers have been coming from American Universities,” the coach said.

Nihar Ameen said Khade’s chances of making the semifinals is not tough.

“Given his penchant to out-do his times at every meet, I am sure he will rise to the challenge. But definitely our goal is the Commonwealth Youth Games in September-October and the Commonwealth Games in 2010,” Nihar Ameen said.

Hard work

The coach said that years of dedicated hard work and training had paid off and added, “I am thankful to the SFI, the Union Government and Lakshmi Mittal Sports Foundation for transforming Khade’s career.”

Vikram Khade, the proud father of the young champion, is in Bangalore.

“I just came down to wish him luck for the Olympics.

“I took him to nearby pool when he was four-and-half-years old then. He took to water like a fish. Then with coaching he started winning State meets and National, later on Nihar sir took over and rest is history,” said Khade’s father.

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