The Hindu : Sport / Swimming : Nihar Ameen satisfied

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Nihar Ameen satisfied

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Coach Nihar Ameen and his wards, Virdhawal Khade and Sandeep Sejwal, returned home after a 70-day training stint in Europe. The swimmers also took part in the FINA World swimming championship in Rome.

Ameen was quite satisfied with the training and said it reflected on the performances in Rome.

“The World championship was a part of the first meet in our quadrennial training cycle for the London Olympic Games (2012). This time, we have split the training into two cycles. The first one is aimed at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, and the second one at the Olympics.

“Considering that, I think the performances we had in Rome were quite satisfactory, especially from Sejwal, Khade and Rehan Poncha. We were able to judge where we are at the moment and I am quite happy with that.”

Not conducive

The coach felt that the conditions in Rome were not too conducive for the Indian swimmers. “Our heats were in the morning and it was around 35 degrees when our boys swam. Normally, we fare better in the evenings, but at the World championship only the top 16 can race in the evening. I think we could have done better if it was an indoor pool,” he said.

About the training in Europe, Ameen said, “The high altitude training in Sierra Nevada (Spain) was a major plus point for us. The boys also underwent bio-mechanical tests and we got good results in the German meet.”

Khade was a touch disappointed that he did not clock his best in the 50m freestyle in Rome. “I am sure I can do much better in the Asian age group meet next week and bring home some medals. More than that, I aim to clock good times in that meet.”

This was a sentiment echoed by teammate Sejwal, another notable performer in Rome. Sejwal smashed his own National marks in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events and broke into the top 100 of the world rankings in all the three sections.

“I am pleased with the way I swam. I rate the 100m breaststroke race as my best so far. I aim to cut down more time at the Asian age meet,” said Sejwal.

Rehan happy

Rehan was delighted with his showing in Rome. He clocked his personal best in the 200m and 400m individual medleys, 200m backstroke and 100m butterfly. He established National records in the first three events.

Rehan, who spoke from Pune, said: “I am happy with the way the meet went for me. Months of hard work I had with coach Pradeep Kumar did pay off. I am all pumped up for the Asian age group championship where I intend to do better.”

Khade, Sejwal and Poncha are all set to leave for Tokyo for the Asian age group meet starting on August 9. The Indian camp for the meet concluded at Pune on Thursday.

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