The Hindu : Sport : Mittal foundation to support Khade

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Friday, Jul 06, 2007
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Sport

Mittal foundation to support Khade

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The ‘Boy Wonder’ of Indian swimming, Virdhawal Khade, who is making big waves at the junior National championship at Bhopal, received a major boost to his career with the Mittal Sports Foundation coming forward to support him.

The 16-year old, who hails from Kolhapur but trains under coach Nihar Ameen at the K.C. Reddy Swim Centre in Bangalore, is the lone Indian swimmer who had qualified as of now for the 2008 Olympics at Beijing.

The foundation’s backing comes at the right time for the freestyle sprint specialist, who was badly in need of funds for his preparations for the Olympics. Manisha Malhotra, former National women’s tennis champion who is the director of the Mittal Foundation, said “we are pleased to support Khade in his quest for excellence in swimming. He is undoubtedly a huge talent.”

Beyond money

Manisha added “our help goes beyond money and it includes providing a good support system for him, to train better and in a very professional manner. We, at Mittal Sports Foundation, are happy to associated with Khade and we hope it will help us to showcase Indian swimming at the International level.”

The Mittal grant is expected cover most of Khade’s needs and he was was delighted with the gesture. “It has come at a right time and I will strive to work much harder”, said the young swimmer.

Ameen overjoyed

Coach Ameen was overjoyed with the announcement and speaking to The Hindu from Bhopal, said “we are happy and it should help us to focus better without worrying where the next paisa comes. Khade will get a full supporting staf f, physio, trainer and the whole works as we concentrate on our preparations. We plan to train in Australia during winter and in the USA during summer.

Khade will swim in the World Youth championship in Mexico also besides the Asian age Group championship later in August.”

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