National Para Swimming Championship: 25-member Odisha team confident of good show

A strong 25-member para-swimming team from Odisha has arrived in Panaji to compete in the prestigious 24th National Para Swimming Championship, which will take place at the Olympic Swimming Pool, Campal in Goa from October 19-22.

 The event is organised by the Government of Goa in association with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Goa Paralympic Association.

The Odisha team, led by Chairperson Susanta Kumar Malik, is confident of an outstanding performance, following a rigorous 13-day training camp at the Kalinga Stadium swimming pool, Bhubaneswar, from October 3 -18. 

Building on the momentum of last year’s impressive haul of 18 medals, the team is looking to exceed expectations this year.

Team manager Punil Kumar Mansingh, physiotherapist Somyashri Mishra and officials Amiya Ranjan Tripathy, S Parama Hansa Reddy and Debamrut Sahu are accompanying the athletes. 

The 24th National Para Swimming Championship is a major event on the para sports calendar, attracting over 700 participants, including para swimmers, coaches, and officials from 27 states and union territories across India. It serves as a critical platform for athletes to showcase their talent, with performances potentially paving the way for international competitions such as the World Para Swimming Championships.

Speaking ahead of the championship, Susanta Kumar Malik expressed optimism. “Our team has trained hard and is ready to deliver their best. We are hopeful of winning even more medals this year and making Odisha proud on the national stage,” said Malik.

Notably, the championship not only celebrates the incredible talent of para athletes but also exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, determination, and sportsmanship. Odisha’s team is determined to be a shining example of these qualities.