Courtesy: Vijay Bharadwaj
Kushagra Rawat training at the SAI Glenmark TIDM program in Delhi created history by becoming the fastest Indian in the 800 m Freestyle category clocking a time of 08.07.99. He clocked the time at the Speedo Thailand Age Group Championships being held at Bangkok. Kushagra has made the B cut for the FINA World Championships 2019 and Tokyo 2020. The B Time for Men 800m Freestyle for World Championship 2019 is 08:10.91 and for Tokyo 2020 Olympics is 08:08.54. He also made the B cut for the World Championships in the 400 m FS with a time of 03:56.10. The B Cut qualifying time for the World Championships is 03.56.14
The SAI Glenmark TIDM Program is based out of the Dr. SPM Swimming Complex in New Delhi and provides Swimmers with top class coaching and infrastructural facilities for them to succeed.
Kushagra Rawat said: “”Your aim must be high, Do your efforts accordingly, You will get Your goal nearby.”
Head Coach of SGTIDM Program Partha Pratim Majumder said “This performance reflects that we are moving in the right direction towards our “Mission Olympic Podium 2020 / 2024″ with his sincere training efforts. We developed specific long term programs for him to ensure steady progression and motivated him and his family regularly. Our Coaching staff constantly monitored him and ensured he remains focussed. We thank SAI and GAF for all the support.”
Technical Director Carles Subirana said “Kushagra’s sports career begins now. He has a very promising future. He is a very disciplined and fighter swimmer, essential qualities in a good sportsman. Now we will raise the bar a little higher so that he can start to enjoy elite international swimming.”
The SGTIDM program was setup in 2016 wherein the Sports Authority of India and Glenmark Aquatic Foundation partnered with a vision to develop Indian swimmers for podium finishes at global aquatic meets like the Olympics. In 2020 Aquatics has 49 gold medals at stake highest among any sport. Carles Subirana, an experienced coach from Spain who has produced more than 10 Olympic medalists serves as technical Director. Partha Pratim Majumder is the head coach and is ably assisted by coaches from SAI. Kushagra joined the academy in 2016 wherein his best time in the 800FS 08.49.24. Extreme dedication, scientific coaching, sound global coaching practices coupled with support from SAI and GAF have enabled Kushagra to become the fastest swimmer in the 800 FS in India today shedding around 42 seconds in three years. SAI Glenmark TIDM program trains around 30 Khelo India accredited swimmers from ages of 14 to 20.