Speedo athletes Virdhawal Khade, Sajan Prakash, Shivani Kataria and Maana Patel win big at 10th AASF Asian Age Group Championship 2019

Bangalore, September 30, 2019: With an aim to nurture the swimming ecosystem, Speedo India joined hands with the continent’s largest aquatic event AASF Asian Age Group Championship 2019. After producing numerous international swimmers and being the most preferred city for Olympians and top Indian swimmers to train and excel, Bengaluru for the very first time hosted the Championship starting 24th September. The last time India hosted this event was back in 1999. The nine-day sporting extravaganza saw over 40 countries and more than 1200 participants vying for top honours in four different aquatic disciplines such as swimming, diving, water polo and the visually-mesmerizing artistic swimming. India finished with a record tally of 52 medals (15 golds, 19 silvers, 18 bronzes), with Speedo India athlete, Virdhawal Khade clinching .2 Golds in 50M Freestyle, 50M Butterfly and 1 Silver in 100M Freestyle, Sajan Prakash scored a Gold in 200M Butterfly and 2 Silvers in 100M Butterfly in 200M Medley, Maana Patel secured Gold in 50M Backstroke and Silver in 100M and 200M Backstroke, and Shivani Kataria made India proud by winning the 4 medals; Silver in 1500M and 200M Freestyle and Bronze in 400M and 800M Freestyle. Commenting on the association and the Championship, Neer Chauhan, Business Head, Speedo India said, “The AASF Asian Age Group Championship 2019 was a key meet for us ahead of 2020 Olympics. Our athletes have done an outstanding job here and we are extremely proud of each one of them. With such initiatives, we wish to continue to inspire them and all the other aspiring swimmers. Inclusion is a core value for Speedo and we view events like these as an integral part in getting more people into the sport” Talking about his experience and victory, Speedo India athlete Sajan Prakash said, “It was a big and well organised event. It seems everyone enjoyed the racing here in Bangalore. It will be great if India gets more opportunities to continue to host such international events in the years to come.” Speedo India athlete, Virdhawal Khade commented, “I am quite happy that Asian Age Group Championship was such a big success here. We rarely get the chance to host a big swimming competition in India. Also, I am super thrilled about the fact that this was India's best ever showing at this competition and this meet has shown that Indian future in swimming is very bright!” Expressing her enthusiasm, Speedo India athlete Maana Patel said, “This edition of Asian Age Group Championship was the best and the most memorable one for me, especially because it was hosted by India and in one of the best facilities in the country. Racing in front of the home crowd was extremely fun because of the enthusiasm of all the parents and constant cheering from all the people who came for team India; it gave me goosebumps and a big smile before my race. I absolutely loved the India kit designed by Speedo, the jackets were good too. I had a very good four days of racing. Looking forward to race more international meets in India.” “Racing in front of home crowd is always special and it was my second international swim meet in India. The crowd was incredible; I got four individual medals and 5 relays medals which I am happy with. I also tried 2 new events for the first time (800M and 1500M free). All over, team India did amazing and I am lucky to have had the support from Speedo and the coaches.” said, Shivani Kataria Speedo’s support of the AASF Asian Group Championship 2019 is a continuation of its mission to drive inclusivity and participation in Swimming. As part of the partnership, Speedo provided swimming gears for all the participating Indian athletes.