Srihari Nataraj (Photo Credit: IANS)
Natraj is amongst six Indian swimmers who’ve achieved Olympic B qualification
- IANS
- Last Updated:May 16, 2021, 22:33 IST
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A second lockdown imposed by the Karnataka authorities to include the unfold of coronavirus has prevented Srihari Nataraj, Indian nationwide document holder in mens 100 metres backstroke, from coaching in the pool for per week.
“I’ve not skilled in the pool for nearly per week. The state authorities hasn’t given permission to open swimming swimming pools, even for the elite swimmers. Without coaching in an Olympic measurement 50 metres pool it’s not potential to carry out nicely in competitions,” Nataraj told IANS from Bengaluru.
Last month Nataraj, 20, broke the national 100m backstroke record twice during the Uzbekistan Open Swimming Championships in Tashkent. But his national record of 54.07 seconds fell short of Olympic A qualification time of 53.85 seconds.
Natraj is among six Indian swimmers who have achieved Olympic B qualification mark in their respective events for the Tokyo Olympic Games. As per rules, only A qualification guarantees automatic berth.
Despite assurance from the state sports minister, there is no information regarding reopening of swimming facilities in the state, said a swimming coach.
“Despite the fact the deadline to achieve A qualification time for swimmers to compete at the Olympics is June 27, elite Indian swimmers are struggling to practice. With no support from the local government it has become impossible to practice on a regular basis,” identified the coach.
The Olympics are scheduled to start out on July 23.
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