Viraj Dhakale bags 14 medals in 2010

PUNE: Viraj Dhakale, a Standard IX student of the Vikhe Patil memorial school, has bagged 14 medals in various national swimming championships this year.
In July, he won six medals (five silver and one bronze) in the Federation National Championship held in Bangalore. Later, he got a silver and two bronze medals in the School Nationals. Viraj continued his good form by winning two gold and three bronze medals in the recently held CBSE Nationals, where he was also awarded the individual championship for best swimmer.
Viraj, who took to the sport at the tender age of three, thanks his parents and coaches Prabir Roy and Saurabh Deshpande for their support and guidance. He said, "This is my best performance till now. My coach and parents play a vital role in my success."
Viraj trains six hours a day and gradually increases his training regime during tournaments. An ardent fan of swimmer Virdhawal Khade, Viraj wants to replicate his icon's feat and participate in the Olympics. At present, Viraj is training hard for the nationals to be held next year.